Eight months pregnant in the interview room — But I wasn’t just carrying a child, I was carrying a dream.
From the harsh mountains of Balochistan to the polished corridors of Pakistan’s bureaucracy, Mrs. Mehwish Gul Saddam has walked a path carved with resilience, sacrifice, and quiet strength. She didn’t just clear the Special CSS Exam 2023 — she rewrote the narrative of what it means to be a woman chasing a dream in the face of every possible challenge.
When most people imagine CSS preparation, they think of solitude and silence, books piled high, and laser-sharp focus. But Mehwish’s journey was far from that. It was a story of multitasking — where marriage, motherhood, and ambition collided daily.
Mehwish Gul Saddam got married during her CSS preparation, and instead of slowing down, her life picked up pace. While other candidates were revising in study circles, she studied with a ladle in one hand and a book in the other. Between managing a new home, cooking, cleaning, and adjusting to a new chapter of life, she carved out time for her dreams.
“There were days I studied with aching feet and swollen ankles. I revised notes between chores. My body was tired, but my heart never gave up,” she recalls.
Academic Background
She has a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI). She also had the opportunity to participate in a semester exchange program in the USA under the UGRAD Program.
This global experience not only broadened her perspective but also added a unique dimension to her personality, which undoubtedly contributed to her success in the competitive exam. She also had the privilege of working with different UN organizations, including USEFP.
Optional Subjects for CSS
Choosing optional subjects is tricky, and finalizing them under supervision is imperative. It is not advisable to rely solely on the internet for subject selection. When choosing optional subjects, remember to select subjects that overlap, require limited preparation, and help with essay writing.
Selected Optional Subjects
- International Relations
- US History
- Gender Studies
- Sociology
- International Law
Walking into the Interview Room, Eight Months Pregnant
The moment that defined her journey came on the day of her CSS interview. She walked into that room eight months pregnant, not just carrying a child but years of hard work, quiet prayers, and relentless determination.
“I knew I wasn’t just being evaluated as a candidate. I was standing there as a woman who refused to choose between her dreams and her responsibilities.”
That image — of a woman on the brink of motherhood, facing one of the toughest interviews in the country — is more powerful than any motivational speech. It’s proof that a woman doesn’t have to pause her aspirations to fulfill her roles. She can do both — and succeed.
A Story That Speaks to Every Woman
In a society where women are often told to “wait,” “pause,” or to “choose wisely” between family and ambition, Mehwish stands as a quiet but firm answer: Why not both?
Her story isn’t just about clearing an exam. It’s about breaking stereotypes, challenging norms, and proving that strength doesn’t always roar — sometimes, it whispers, studies between chores, and walks into an interview room eight months pregnant, ready to win.
“This wasn’t an easy journey. It tested me emotionally, physically, and spiritually. But I’ve learned something powerful: a woman can carry life and a lifelong dream at the same time — and bring both into the world.”
To Every Woman Juggling It All — You’re Not Alone
Her message to other women is simple yet powerful:
“You are allowed to want more. Your dreams matter. Your strength is real.”
Mrs. Mehwish Gul Saddam’s journey is not just a personal victory — it’s a torchlight for thousands of others walking similar paths, proving that motherhood and ambition coexist and can thrive together.
As Ms. Saddam mentioned, this milestone in her life would not have been achievable without her family’s unwavering support, love, and encouragement. A special tribute goes to her dear husband, Sir Saddam Hussain Magsi, who has been more than just a life partner- he has been her real-life mentor. His tireless dedication, insightful guidance, and steadfast belief in her potential were pivotal in her CSS journey. His wisdom, patience, and motivation inspired her to persevere during the toughest times.
This success is as much his as it is hers, and she is eternally grateful for having him by her side throughout this transformative journey. May Allah grant them continued blessings, guidance, and strength for the challenges ahead.
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Qualifier of the CSS Special Exam 2023