Veteran journalist Zubeida Mustafa passes away in Karachi

KARACHI: Veteran journalist, columnist, and acclaimed author Zubeida Mustafa has passed away in Karachi at the age of 84.

Born in 1941, she was one of Pakistan’s first women journalists. She had joined Dawn in 1975, where she served as assistant editor until 2008.

She is survived by her two daughters.

After taking retirement from fulltime journalism, Zubeida Mustafa had been working as a freelance journalist, writing a fortnightly column for Dawn.

While her family has not yet issued an official statement, members of the journalist community in Karachi have confirmed her passing.

Her colleagues, juniors, and admirers from across the country took to social media to express their grief, pay tribute to her pioneering contributions, and offer prayers for her eternal peace.

“With deep sorrow, we share the news of the passing of veteran journalist and senior member of the Karachi Press Club, @zubeidamustafa,” wrote journalist Naimat Khan on his X account.

Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji'un

With deep sorrow, we share the news of the passing of veteran journalist and senior member of the Karachi Press Club, @zubeidamustafa

She was a trailblazer in Pakistani journalism, becoming one of the first women to work in the country’s… pic.twitter.com/2IwVkb9WyT

— Naimat Khan (@NKMalazai) July 9, 2025

“She was a trailblazer in Pakistani journalism, becoming one of the first women to work in the country’s mainstream media. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire generations to come.”

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The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also expressed its condolences, stating: “HRCP mourns the passing of veteran journalist, columnist and editor Zubeida Mustafa who championed social, cultural and language rights like few. She was a comrade-in-arms and stood by the disadvantaged and the oppressed. May her family and friends find strength to bear this irreparable loss.”

HRCP mourns the passing of veteran journalist, columnist and editor Zubeida Mustafa who championed social, cultural and language rights like few. She was a comrade-in-arms and stood by the disadvantaged and the oppressed. May her family and friends find strength to bear this…

— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) July 9, 2025

Karachi Press Club, of which Zubeida Mustafa was a member, describe her demise as “a huge loss”.

Extending condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues in a statement, the club said, “her absence will be deeply felt, but her contributions to journalism and society will never be forgotten.”

Admiring her contribution to journalis, Karachi Press Club said: “Zubeida Mustafa was not just a journalist; she was an institution. Her unwavering commitment to truth, her incisive analysis, and her relentless pursuit of social justice set a benchmark for ethical reporting.

“She was a pioneer, breaking barriers and paving the way for women in a field often dominated by men. Her work on social issues, education, and health was particularly impactful, demonstrating her deep empathy and dedication to improving the lives of ordinary citizens.”