Muhammad Asim Saddiqi 
Lahore: Pakistan mourns the passing of Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra, a renowned educationist, human rights advocate and public intellectual, whose decades-long contributions to academia and social justice have left an indelible mark on the nation’s intellectual and moral landscape.
Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra, celebrated for her pioneering work in education, women’s empowerment, and social reform served as Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Education and National Harmony Affairs. She also held several prestigious academic positions, including Professor Emeritus of History at Forman Christian (FC) College and former Principal of Lahore College for Women University. Additionally, she chaired the National Commission on the Status of Women and served as a caretaker provincial minister in Punjab.
A distinguished scholar of Urdu language, literature and South Asian intellectual history, Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra was known for her eloquent scholarship and her deep engagement with social thought. She consistently promoted inclusive education, gender equality and religious tolerance, addressing critical issues through her lectures, televised discussions, and public forums.
Educated at Lahore College for Women University and Government College University, and later earning advanced degrees from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra combined academic excellence with a lifelong commitment to social justice and national harmony. Her sharp insights and powerful oratory made her a respected voice in Pakistan’s educational and human rights circles.
Throughout her career, Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra remained a fearless advocate for the rights of women, minorities and marginalized communities. Her writings and speeches often challenged societal norms and called for confronting entrenched power structures to bring meaningful change.
Her passing represents a profound loss for Pakistan’s academic, intellectual and civil society communities. Dr Zehra’s legacy of scholarship, courage and advocacy will continue to inspire generations of educators, students, and reformers across the country.
