Pakistan is mourning the loss of one of its most distinguished scholars and human rights champions, Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra, who passed away in Lahore on Monday at the age of 83 after a prolonged illness. Her niece, Ameena Kamal, confirmed her passing. Dr Zehra will be laid to rest in the family graveyard at Cavalry Ground.
For more than five decades, Dr Zehra stood as a towering figure in academia, literature, and social reform. Known for her unmatched intellect, humility, and eloquence, she served as a moral compass for generations, shaping Pakistan’s intellectual and ethical landscape through her work and teachings.
Her illustrious academic journey began in Lahore and led her to earn a PhD in History from the University of Hawaii — a pioneering achievement for Pakistani women in higher education. Throughout her career, she held prestigious teaching and leadership positions at institutions including the National College of Arts, LUMS, and Lahore College for Women. Until her retirement last year, she served as Professor Emeritus at Forman Christian College.
Beyond academia, Dr Zehra’s service to the nation extended to public policy and social advocacy. She served as Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women and as Special Adviser to the Prime Minister on Education and National Cohesion. Her unwavering commitment to gender equality, ethical governance, and social justice earned her deep respect across political and social spheres.
National leaders expressed heartfelt condolences over her passing. President Asif Ali Zardari called her death “an irreparable loss,” while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described her as “a beacon of knowledge and moral clarity.”
Tributes also poured in from the arts and literary circles. Prominent actor Imran Abbas shared a heartfelt memory of his last meeting with her, describing her as “the gentlest soul and the truest ambassador of the Urdu language.”
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Dr Zehra believed deeply that “Education must build character, not just careers” — a philosophy that defined her life’s work. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her teachings on integrity, empathy, and intellectual courage will continue to illuminate Pakistan’s path for generations to come.