LAHORE: Pakistan’s distinguished educationist and social reformer, Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zehra, passed away on Monday, leaving behind a legacy marked by academic brilliance and social awareness.
Dr. Zehra was widely known for her unwavering commitment to education, women’s empowerment, and cultural preservation. She served in several key academic positions, including Principal of Lahore College for Women and Government College for Women, Gulberg, and later as Professor Emeritus at Forman Christian College.
A graduate of Lahore College for Women University and Government College University, Lahore, Dr. Zehra earned her Ph.D. in History from the University of Hawaiʻi. Her intellectual pursuits revolved around Urdu literature, ethics, and intellectual history.
Throughout her career, she played a significant role in national policy and reform, serving as Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Education and National Cohesion and as Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women.
As a UNESCO Chair in Cultural Heritage, she dedicated her efforts to preserving Pakistan’s literary and cultural identity.
Dr. Zehra was admired for her thought-provoking lectures and fearless opinions, which inspired students, academics, and citizens alike. Her lifelong dedication to ethical education and civic values has left an indelible mark on Pakistan’s intellectual landscape.
