LAHORE: Pakistan has lost one of its most revered scholars and reformers as Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra, an eminent educationist, historian, and advocate for women’s rights, passed away on Monday.

Dr Zehra was widely respected for her lifelong dedication to education, social justice, and public discourse. Over several decades, she played a pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s academic thought and promoting women’s empowerment through education and ethical reform.

A distinguished scholar, Dr Zehra earned her Ph.D. in History from the University of Hawaiʻi after studying at Lahore College for Women University and Government College University, Lahore.

She went on to serve as Principal of Lahore College for Women and Government College for Women, Gulberg, and later became Professor Emeritus at Forman Christian College.

Specialising in Urdu literature and intellectual history, Dr Zehra was known for her deep commitment to preserving Pakistan’s cultural and literary heritage. As UNESCO Chair in Cultural Heritage, she worked tirelessly to safeguard the nation’s intellectual traditions and promote dialogue around ethical values and civic responsibility.

Her public service extended beyond academia. Dr Zehra served as Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Education and National Cohesion and also chaired the National Commission on the Status of Women, where she championed policies supporting gender equality and education reform.

Known for her eloquence and moral clarity, Dr Zehra’s lectures and writings inspired generations to think critically about Pakistan’s social fabric, justice system, and national identity.

Her passing leaves a profound void in Pakistan’s intellectual life, but her legacy will continue to illuminate the path for future scholars, reformers, and citizens committed to a more just and educated society.