Renowned Scholar and Educationist Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zehra Passes Away at 83

Pakistan has lost one of its most respected scholars, educationists, and human rights advocates, Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zehra, who passed away in Lahore at the age of 83.

According to family sources, her funeral prayers will be held at Askari 5 Mosque on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., followed by her burial in the family graveyard at Cavalry Ground, Lahore.

A Life Devoted to Education and Social Reform

Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zehra was widely regarded as a beacon of knowledge and integrity in Pakistan’s academic and intellectual circles. With a doctorate in History from the University of Hawaiʻi, she previously studied at Lahore College for Women University and Government College University, Lahore.

Throughout her career, she held key positions including Principal of Lahore College for Women and Government College for Women, Gulberg, later serving as Professor Emeritus at Forman Christian College (FCCU).

Her academic expertise centered around Urdu literature, cultural heritage, and intellectual history. As a UNESCO Chair in Cultural Heritage, Dr. Zehra consistently emphasized the importance of preserving Pakistan’s literary traditions and national values.

Public Service and Advocacy

Beyond academia, Dr. Zehra played a vital role in shaping public policy and discourse. She served as Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Education and National Cohesion and chaired the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW).

Her voice carried great moral authority  she spoke fearlessly about women’s empowerment, social justice, ethical governance, and the need for education reform.

Known for her eloquence and depth of thought, Dr. Zehra inspired countless Pakistanis through her lectures, writings, and television appearances, always encouraging citizens to think critically and uphold moral integrity.

Tributes Pour In

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed “profound grief” over the loss, calling it an “irreparable blow” to Pakistan’s academic and literary world. He praised her as a scholar who “devoted her life to knowledge, research, and service to humanity.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute, saying Dr. Arfa’s tireless efforts in promoting education, the Urdu language, and research will always be remembered.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz lauded her contributions to women’s education and empowerment, noting that her services “have left an indelible mark on the nation’s social and educational landscape.”

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah described her as “a scholar who believed education must shape both intellect and character,” while Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan said her teachings “will continue to inspire generations to come.”

A Legacy That Lives On

Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zehra’s passing marks the end of an era in Pakistani academia. Her dedication to nurturing minds, promoting moral consciousness, and preserving cultural identity has left a profound and lasting legacy.

She will be remembered not only as an educationist but as a moral compass and reformer who believed that true education must elevate both intellect and humanity.

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