“Pakistan’s history is incomplete without women”, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari

“Pakistan’s history is incomplete without women,” Aseefa Bhutto Zardari

Karachi (12 February):
First Lady of Pakistan, Ms. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, while addressing the 40th anniversary ceremony of the Aurat Foundation, stated that Pakistan’s history is incomplete without women.

She paid tribute to Aurat Foundation’s four-decade-long struggle for women’s rights and said that every discussion on women’s empowerment reminds her of her mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who believed in the meaningful participation of women in all spheres rather than their merely symbolic inclusion.

Aurat Foundation celebrated its 40th anniversary through a dignified ceremony at the Banquet Hall of the Chief Minister’s House, paying tribute to four decades of women’s struggle for democracy, peace, social justice, and equality in Pakistan.

The event was attended by First Lady Ms. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari as the Chief Guest, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, provincial ministers, members of the National Assembly and Provincial Assembly, the Chief Secretary Sindh, senior government officials, representatives of civil society, and Aurat Foundation leadership from across the country.

The ceremony highlighted women’s struggles and achievements in democracy, peacebuilding, poverty alleviation, and climate justice, and acknowledged Aurat Foundation’s key role since its establishment in 1986.

In her opening remarks, Aurat Foundation President Anis Haroon recalled the difficult journey of the women’s movement and said that before 12 February 1986, women had very little recognition in public life. She reminded the audience that women were baton-charged for filing petitions in the Lahore High Court for equality, imprisoned for raising their voices, yet they remained steadfast in their demands.

During the event, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari unveiled a book documenting Aurat Foundation’s 40-year struggle and inaugurated a documentary highlighting the organisation’s journey.

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Addressing the gathering, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari said the day serves as a reminder that Pakistan’s history is incomplete without women. She praised Aurat Foundation’s four decades of struggle for women’s rights and reiterated that every discussion on women’s empowerment reminds her of her mother, who believed in women’s meaningful participation in all fields.

She noted that despite progress, women in Pakistan continue to face serious challenges, and true freedom for women will only be possible when every girl is granted her full rights. On this occasion, she was also conferred the Global Peace Award.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced a grant of PKR 50 million for Aurat Foundation, reaffirming the Sindh government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality.
The ceremony honoured individuals who rendered outstanding services in women’s rights, human rights, social services, education, journalism, law enforcement, minority rights, leadership of persons with disabilities, and community development, with lifetime service and leadership awards. Female students were also recognised for technological innovation, and Aurat Foundation staff members were honoured for their services in organising the event.

Among the award recipients were Shehnaz Wazir Ali for lifelong struggle for women’s rights; and Justice (R) Majida Rizvi for legal and human rights services, receiving Lifetime Achievement Awards. Members of the National Assembly Shazia Atta Marri and Rana Ansar for Political Leadership. Rabia Malik received the Special Persons Leadership Award, while Natalia Rahim, a Pakistani-American, was awarded for Community Services. The Technology Innovation Award was presented to students of Begum Nusrat Bhutto University for developing an agricultural drone. Awards were also conferred upon journalist Maria Ismail, poet and painter Aliya Mirza, DIG Sheeba Shah for leadership in law enforcement, Sister Catherine for services in women’s education, Mangla Sharma for minority rights, Advocate Asia Munir for legal aid to vulnerable women, Mirza Ishtiaq Baig for social services, and Advocate Ghazala Kashif for leadership in local government. Additionally, three Aurat Foundation staff members were honoured for exceptional contributions to organising the ceremony.

On this occasion, Dr. Masuma Hassan, former President of Aurat Foundation’s Board of Governors, said that the dream of women’s empowerment is beginning to take shape after 40 years of struggle. She noted that Aurat Foundation is now working at both national and international levels, empowering women not only economically but also politically.

She highlighted Sindh’s leadership in progressive legislation for women, including being the first province to enact laws against domestic violence. She paid tribute to the progressive vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto for the protection of women’s rights and described the patronage of First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari as a source of pride and strength for the women’s movement.

The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment to continue the struggle for gender equality, justice, and dignity, highlighting Aurat Foundation’s foundational role in Pakistan’s women’s rights movement over the past four decades.