Salma Ataullahjan immigrated to Canada from Pakistan 31 years ago, becoming a Canadian citizen in 1989.  After settling in Toronto, she pursued a career in real estate, a profession in which she has worked for the last 21 years.  Born into a family with a long-standing history of political activism, Ms. Ataullahjan has spent many years actively involved in the social and political affairs of her community. 

A natural consensus builder, Ms. Ataullahjan has served many organizations including: on the executive of the Pakistani Canadian Professionals and Academics; as Founder and Chairperson of the Parent Council of David Lewis Public School; as a member of the South Asian Regional Council; as a former President and current Vice-President of the Canadian Pashtun Cultural Association; and on the executive of the Toronto chapter of the Citizens Foundation, a charity organization that builds not-for-profit schools in the poorest districts of Pakistan. 

Ms. Ataullahjan is an accomplished artist and paints watercolours in her spare time.  She and her husband Saleem have been married for 31 years and have two daughters, Anushka and Shaanzeh.