KARACHI, Feb 12 (APP): First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari on Thursday said that Pakistan’s history is incomplete without women, as she lauded the Aurat Foundation for its four decades of advocacy for women’s rights.
Addressing the 40th anniversary ceremony of the Aurat Foundation held at the Banquet Hall of the Chief Minister House, she said that every discussion on women’s empowerment reminded her of her mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who believed in meaningful participation of women across all sectors rather than their symbolic inclusion.
She noted that despite progress, women in Pakistan continue to face serious challenges, adding that true freedom would only be achieved when every girl is granted her full rights. On the occasion, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari was also honoured with a Global Peace Award.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, speaking at the event, announced a grant of Rs 50 million for the Aurat Foundation, reaffirming the Sindh government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality.
The Aurat Foundation celebrated its 40th anniversary, paying tribute to four decades of women’s struggle for democracy, peace, social justice, and equality in Pakistan. The event highlighted women’s contributions and achievements in democracy, peace building, poverty alleviation, and climate justice, acknowledging the organisation’s pivotal role since its establishment in 1986.
Delivering her opening remarks, Aurat Foundation President Anis Haroon recalled the challenging journey of the women’s movement. She stated that prior to February 12, 1986, women had little recognition in public life. She recalled instances when women were baton-charged for filing equality petitions in the Lahore High Court and imprisoned for raising their voices, yet remained steadfast in their demands.
During the ceremony, the First Lady launched a book documenting the Aurat Foundation’s 40-year struggle and unveiled a documentary highlighting its journey, including a special tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for her historic role in advancing women’s rights.
The event also featured the presentation of lifetime achievement and leadership awards to individuals for their contributions to women’s rights, human rights, social services, education, journalism, law enforcement, minority rights, disability leadership, and community development. Students were recognised for technological innovation, and Aurat
Foundation staff members were honoured for their efforts in organising the event.
Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to MNAs Shazia Atta Marri and Rana Ansar for political leadership, Shehnaz Wazir Ali for her lifelong struggle for women’s rights, and Justice (R) Majida Rizvi for her services in law and human rights. Rabia Malik received the Special Persons Leadership Award, while Pakistani-American Natalia Rahim was honoured with the Community Services Award.
The Technology Innovation Award was presented to students of Nusrat Bhutto University for developing an agricultural drone. Other award recipients included journalist Maria Ismail, poet and painter Aalia Mirza, DIG Sheeba Shah for law enforcement leadership, Sister Catherine for services in women’s education, Mangla Sharma for minority rights, Advocate Asia Munir for legal support to oppressed women, Mirza Ishtiaq Baig for social services, and Advocate Ghazala Kashif for local government leadership. Three Aurat Foundation staff members were also recognised for their exceptional efforts in organising the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Masooma Hasan paid tribute to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto for safeguarding women’s rights through her progressive vision and described the patronage of First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari as a source of pride and strength for the women’s movement.