KARACHI: Renowned senior journalist and author Zubeida Mustafa passed away in Karachi at the age of 84.

A pioneer in Pakistani journalism, she was a mentor to hundreds of journalists and a prominent voice for education and women’s rights.

Zubeida Mustafa dedicated her career to highlighting pressing social issues, with a special focus on education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. She was among the first women to break into mainstream journalism in Pakistan, paving the way for future generations.

Over the decades, she penned hundreds of columns addressing children’s rights, public health, and gender equality. Her impactful work extended beyond journalism—she authored eight books on a variety of social and political themes, leaving behind a lasting legacy of thoughtful, reform-oriented writing.

Her passing marks the end of an era in Pakistani journalism, as colleagues, students, and readers mourn the loss of a fearless voice for the marginalized.

Zubeida Mustafa has also won the Lifetime Achievement Award for the International Women’s Media Foundation. Zubeida Mustafa has won several domestic and international awards.

Zubeida Mustafa remained associated with the field for almost 50 years, during which she became a mentor to generations of journalists and an unwavering advocate for education, women’s rights, and social justice.