Renowned educationist and human rights activist Arfa Sayeda Zehra passes away

WEB DESK: Renowned Pakistani educationist, human rights advocate, and public intellectual Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra passed away today, leaving behind a legacy of scholarship, activism, and fearless public discourse.

Dr Zehra was widely recognised for her profound contributions to education, history, and social thought in Pakistan. She served as the Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Education and National Harmony Affairs and held a distinguished academic career, including positions as professor emeritus of history at Forman Christian (FC) College and former principal of Lahore College for Women University. She also chaired the National Commission on the Status of Women and served as a caretaker provincial minister in Punjab.

A scholar of Urdu language and literature, Dr Zehra specialised in intellectual history and South Asian social issues. She was known not only for her academic rigor but also for her public engagements, speaking at conferences, televised forums, and Urdu literary events where her incisive critiques and thought-provoking commentary won wide acclaim. Her analyses often challenged societal norms, addressed structural power imbalances, and emphasized the role of women and marginalized groups in shaping Pakistan’s social and economic life.

Educated at Lahore College for Women University and Government College University, with further degrees from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Dr Zehra combined rigorous scholarship with a commitment to public service. She was celebrated for her eloquence, sharp insights, and ability to translate complex historical and social ideas into conversations that resonated with both academic and popular audiences.

Throughout her life, Dr Zehra was unapologetically outspoken on issues of gender, education, religious tolerance, and social justice. She frequently highlighted the structural inequalities in Pakistani society, urging a deeper understanding of history as a guide to present challenges. Known for her fearless advocacy, she often reminded audiences that true social change required confronting entrenched power structures, rather than merely seeking approval from those in authority.

Her passing marks the loss of one of Pakistan’s most influential voices in education, human rights, and public discourse.