KEY POINTS
- Sonia’s journey began in 2010 as a football player for Balochistan.
- In 2018, she became the first Pakistani woman to pass FIFA’s physical referee test.
- She also founded the Balochistan Women’s Football Academy, aiming to empower young girls.
ISLAMABAD: In a powerful leap for women in sports, Sonia Mustafa has made history as Pakistan’s first-ever female FIFA-certified football referee, a trailblazing achievement that has sparked hope and pride across the nation.
A native of Quetta, Sonia’s journey began on the football arena in 2010, when she represented Balochistan in national football tournaments.
While playing, she stumbled upon her calling in refereeing during a course in 2017. Although she couldn’t complete it then, her passion for officiating had been ignited.
In 2018, that passion turned into a milestone. Selected for a national training program in Lahore, Sonia emerged as the first woman in Pakistan to pass FIFA’s rigorous physical test, officially earning her place as a certified referee.
Meet Sonia Mustafa — Balochistan’s first FIFA-certified football referee! From player to pioneer, her 25-year journey proves that passion and perseverance can rewrite history.#ConnectedPakistan #WomenInSports #Football #Balochistan pic.twitter.com/bc4Z80YZur
— Connected Pakistan (@ConnectedPak) October 9, 2025
Today, she confidently officiates both boys’ and girls’ matches at the national level, a rare feat in Pakistan’s sports scene.
Facing the challenge of limited resources and cultural resistance in her home province, Sonia didn’t stop at personal success.
She founded the Balochistan Women’s Football Academy to offer other young girls the opportunities she once had to fight for. “I personally visited parents to assure them of a safe and supportive space,” she said.
Despite the odds, Sonia’s journey from player to pioneer is a story of grit, resilience, and vision. “My dream is to represent Pakistan on the international stage as a referee,” she said.
