Pakistan is mourning the loss of Arfa Zehra, a distinguished scholar, educationist, and human rights advocate. Her contributions to education, social reform, and women’s empowerment have left a lasting impact on the nation.
With a teaching career spanning more than four decades, Arfa Zehra dedicated her life to transforming education in Pakistan. Celebrated for her mastery of Urdu and deep expertise in Urdu literature, she served as a history professor at Forman Christian College, Lahore, shaping generations of students.
Beyond teaching, Zehra played key roles in top institutions including Lahore College for Women University (LCWU), Lahore University of Management Sciences, the National College of Arts, and the School of Public Policy under the Government of Pakistan. Her leadership and vision as an educator and principal influenced countless students and academics alike.
A passionate advocate for women’s rights, Arfa Zehra served as a member and chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) in 2006. She championed gender equality and female empowerment, earning a reputation as a trailblazer for women in Pakistan.
Her academic achievements were equally impressive. Zehra earned a Bachelor of Arts with honors from LCWU, a Master’s in Urdu from Government College University, Lahore, and further completed a Master’s in Asian Studies and a PhD in History from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. In 2016, she received the University of Hawaii Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions.
Although she never formally joined any non-governmental organization, Zehra’s work in human rights, education, and gender equality had a profound social impact. She used her platform to promote women’s legal rights and to empower students through education and leadership.
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Arfa Zehra’s legacy is a testament to the transformative power of education, intellectual leadership, and lifelong dedication to gender equality. Pakistan will remember her contributions for generations to come.
