• Comment: Unsourced. Tone needs to be neutral. E.g. "May Allah (SWT) grant her a high place in Jannatul Firdous. Ameen." is inappropriate for an encyclopedia. Sam Sailor 08:57, 21 November 2024 (UTC)

Syeda Khurshid Hafiz with her sons, Khalid Aziz (left) and Qutubuddin Aziz (right).

Syeda Khurshid Hafiz

Syeda Khurshid Hafiz was a prominent social worker, educationist, and advocate for women's empowerment in Pakistan. Her contributions spanned across education, housing, social welfare, and religious initiatives, leaving an enduring legacy of service and reform.

Career and Contributions

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Leadership Roles

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She served as Vice President and General Secretary of several women's organizations, addressing various aspects of women's rights and development.

Educational Initiatives

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She was instrumental in the establishment of:

  • Sir Syed Women's College in Karachi: A pioneering institution for women's education.
  • Syed Raza Ali College: A college for both boys and girls in Karachi.

Additionally, she contributed to the setup of industrial homes and schools aimed at equipping women with skills for economic independence.

Housing Projects

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At the behest of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, she conceived and implemented one of Pakistan’s largest housing projects for women in Shah Faisal Colony. The project included:

  • Approximately 600 houses exclusively for women, primarily those who were destitute or from low-income groups.
  • A primary school and an industrial home for vocational training.
  • A small dispensary (later closed due to lack of funds).

This area is now known as the WRRA Colony, which also houses a school and industrial home.

Religious Contributions

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  • She established a mosque and madressa in the WRRA Colony.
  • A large recreation and function hall was also built to host community events and gatherings.

Literary Contributions

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She authored several books on diverse topics, showcasing her intellectual depth and commitment to advancing knowledge about women's issues.

Social Welfare

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She was actively engaged in various social activities aimed at empowering women and improving their quality of life.

Awards and Recognition

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She received numerous awards for her contributions, including:

  • Recognition from the Government of Pakistan.
  • A religious award from the former Ambassador of Iraq.

Her work and impact as an orator, writer, and adviser on women’s issues were widely acknowledged.

Legacy

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Her initiatives in education, housing, and social welfare have left a lasting impact on the community. She also led the women's section of Anjuman Taraqqi-e-Urdu, furthering the promotion of Urdu language and literature.

Death and Tributes

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Tributes poured in from across the nation, recognizing her lifelong dedication to social service.

May Allah (SWT) grant her a high place in Jannatul Firdous. Ameen.