VIDEO: Queen of numbers: She figured them out before all else, world left impressed
Zara Naeem poses for a photograph during an event. Twitter photo
Tanvir Usman, Staff Reporter
The amazing success story of Zara Naeem Dar, a Pakistani student who emerged on top in the international accountancy exam, shows that girl students in the country can do wonders if they are provided right opportunities and support from their families.
Zara, a student from Lahore, made her country proud with excellent performance in the global accountancy exams conducted by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). She stunned the world by scoring highest marks in the competition, which was represented by 527,000 students from nearly 179 countries.
Zara does not believe that finance and accountancy is a male-dominated profession.
“This is no longer the case. With bodies like ACCA opening access, you’ll be surprised to learn that ACCA now has a female student base of 58 per cent, with more women than ever looking to become professional accountants. So yes, get ready to see cracks in the glass ceiling.”
Zara credits her success to her father, a retired military officer, who encouraged her to pursue her dreams and smash all artificial barriers.
“My father is a true role model for me. I grew up seeing him reaching great heights in his military service that always inspired me to follow in his footsteps,” she remarked.
She is confident that her firm will be able to win international clients due to her globally accepted qualification and worldwide connections that ACCA membership offers.
Though Zara could not get due attention from the international media for her mammoth achievement, renowned personalities from politics, sports and showbiz hailed her as a brilliant mind and a role model for students all around the world.
Federal ministers Shireen Mazari, Asad Umar and Shibli Faraz termed her the proud daughter of Pakistan.
“I keep saying this... Give Pakistani girls an equal chance and they can take on and beat the best in the world. Proud of #ZaraNaeem and wish her the best in her future goals,” Umar tweeted.
Singer and actor Ali Zafar commended Zara for “breaking the barriers.”
Cricket umpire Aleem Dar congratulated her for the amazing success. It is pertinent to mention here that Zara is niece of the famed cricket umpire Dar.
US embassy in Pakistan also congratulated her for scoring high in the exam.
The ACCA qualification rigorously tests the skills and competencies that a modern-day accountant needs with a firm grounding in ethics and professionalism. It prepares students for a rewarding career as a qualified and ethical finance professional.
