Karachi names road after Sultana Siddiqui, celebrates her contributions to media, women empowerment

KARACHI, April 18, 2025: The “Sultana Siddiqui Road,” located in the North Nazimabad area of Karachi, was formally inaugurated on the evening of April 18. This honour was bestowed upon her by TMC North Nazimabad and the Government of Sindh, in appreciation of her exceptional services in media and toward women’s empowerment.

A celebratory ceremony marking this significant milestone took place at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Karachi, attended by a distinguished group of officials, dignitaries, and media representatives.

Attendees included Deputy Commissioner of District Central, Taha Saleem; Chairman of the Town Municipal Corporation, Atif Ali; CEO of HUM Network, Duraid Qureshi; Shunaid Qureshi, alongside a large number of dignitaries, government officers, media representatives and the management of HUM Network.

The event was conducted by Abeel Khan, who, while reflecting on the vibrant history of Karachi, stated, “Karachi has played a pivotal role in the development of Pakistan. The city thrived during the 1970s and 1980s, marked by extensive development work. The educated populace has significantly contributed to shaping the planning and infrastructure of North Nazimabad. One of its most cherished attributes is the abundance of parks and the spacious roads within this block.” She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Sindh for honouring the contributions of President Sultana Siddiqui.

During his speech, Deputy Commissioner Taha Saleem remarked that Sultana Siddiqui is not only a revered figure in the media landscape but also a remarkable embodiment of women’s leadership in Pakistan. “Having a road named after her is a matter of immense pride for us all. Our city has evolved tremendously over the last decade, and we are committed to restoring its former glory,” he added. He underscored the importance of recognizing achievements across diverse sectors of society to inspire progress.

Chairman Atif Ali reiterated the significance of this initiative, stating, “The inauguration of this road transcends mere naming; it is a tribute to the relentless struggle and accomplishments of a woman who has set new benchmarks in the media industry. When this proposal came to me, I was eager to support its realization. This road symbolizes not only Sultana Siddiqui’s legacy but also the growing emphasis on women’s leadership in Pakistan.”

In his closing remarks, Duraid Qureshi, CEO of HUM Network, expressed gratitude to the Government of Sindh, the district administration, and all the guests: “It fills me with joy to see a road in the neighbourhood where I grew up named after my mother. Our mission is to serve society, and under this mandate, we have modernized ten schools in this area, with plans to upgrade an additional fifteen by year-end.”

Sultana Siddiqui is the first woman in Pakistan to establish and successfully run a media network. In 2004, she founded HUM Network, which today has become a strong organization.

Sultana’s contributions have earned her prestigious accolades, including the “Sitara-e-Imtiaz” and “Pride of Performance” awards from the Government of Pakistan, serving as an inspiring message to women across the nation that determination can turn dreams into reality.

The event concluded with tea and mutual meetings between the participants.