• CM Murad Shah announced Rs 40 M grant for Aurat Foundation
KARACHI : First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, while addressing the 40th anniversary of the Aurat Foundation, said that Pakistan’s history is incomplete without women and praised the Aurat Foundation for four decades of advocacy for women’s rights and said that every discussion on women’s empowerment reminds her of her mother, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, who believed in the meaningful participation of women across all sectors rather than their symbolic inclusion.
Aurat Foundation celebrated its 40th anniversary with a prestigious ceremony at the Banquet Hall of the CM 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 Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari as the chief guest, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, provincial ministers, MNAs, MPAs, the Chief Secretary Sindh, senior government officials, civil society representatives, and leaders of Aurat Foundation from across the country.
The ceremony highlighted women’s struggles and achievements in democracy, peacebuilding, poverty alleviation, and climate justice, acknowledging the pivotal role played by Aurat Foundation since its establishment in 1986.
Delivering opening remarks, Aurat Foundation President Anis Haroon recalled the difficult journey of the women’s movement, stating that before February 12, 1986, women had little recognition in public life. She recalled how women were baton-charged for filing petitions for equality in the Lahore High Court, imprisoned for raising their voices, yet remained steadfast in their demands.
During the event, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari launched a book documenting 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.
Addressing the gathering, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari said the day served as a reminder that Pakistan’s history is incomplete without women. She praised Aurat Foundation for four decades of advocacy for women’s rights and said every discussion on women’s empowerment reminded her of her mother, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, who believed in meaningful participation of women across all sectors rather than symbolic inclusion.
She noted that despite progress, women in Pakistan continue to face serious challenges, adding that true freedom for women would only be achieved when every girl is granted her full rights. On the occasion, she was also honoured with a Global Peace Award.
Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah announced a grant of Rs50 million for Aurat Foundation, reaffirming the Sindh government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of lifetime achievement and leadership awards to prominent individuals for their contributions to women’s rights, human rights, social services, education, journalism, law enforcement, minority rights, disability leadership, and community development. Awards were also presented to students for technological innovation and to Aurat Foundation workers in recognition of their dedication to organising the event.
Those who were honoured for their outstanding contributions in diverse fields. 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 to Justice (R) Majida Rizvi for her legal and human rights services. 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. Awards were also given to 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. In addition, three Aurat Foundation staff members were also recognised for their exceptional efforts in organising the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Masooma Hasan said that the dream of women’s empowerment had begun to materialise after 40 years of struggle. She noted that Aurat Foundation now operates across Pakistan and internationally, 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 a law against domestic violence.
She 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.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed pledge to continue the struggle for gender equality, justice, and dignity, reinforcing Aurat Foundation’s role as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s women’s rights movement for the past four decades.
Aurat Foundation celebrated its 40th anniversary with a prestigious ceremony at the Banquet Hall of the CM 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 Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari as the chief guest, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, provincial ministers, MNAs, MPAs, the Chief Secretary Sindh, senior government officials, civil society representatives, and leaders of Aurat Foundation from across the country.
The ceremony highlighted women’s struggles and achievements in democracy, peacebuilding, poverty alleviation, and climate justice, acknowledging the pivotal role played by Aurat Foundation since its establishment in 1986.
Delivering opening remarks, Aurat Foundation President Anis Haroon recalled the difficult journey of the women’s movement, stating that before February 12, 1986, women had little recognition in public life. She recalled how women were baton-charged for filing petitions for equality in the Lahore High Court, imprisoned for raising their voices, yet remained steadfast in their demands.
During the event, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari launched a book documenting 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.
Addressing the gathering, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari said the day served as a reminder that Pakistan’s history is incomplete without women. She praised Aurat Foundation for four decades of advocacy for women’s rights and said every discussion on women’s empowerment reminded her of her mother, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, who believed in meaningful participation of women across all sectors rather than symbolic inclusion.
She noted that despite progress, women in Pakistan continue to face serious challenges, adding that true freedom for women would only be achieved when every girl is granted her full rights. On the occasion, she was also honoured with a Global Peace Award.
Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah announced a grant of Rs50 million for Aurat Foundation, reaffirming the Sindh government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of lifetime achievement and leadership awards to prominent individuals for their contributions to women’s rights, human rights, social services, education, journalism, law enforcement, minority rights, disability leadership, and community development. Awards were also presented to students for technological innovation and to Aurat Foundation workers in recognition of their dedication to organising the event.
Those who were honoured for their outstanding contributions in diverse fields. 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 to Justice (R) Majida Rizvi for her legal and human rights services. 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. Awards were also given to 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. In addition, three Aurat Foundation staff members were also recognised for their exceptional efforts in organising the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Masooma Hasan said that the dream of women’s empowerment had begun to materialise after 40 years of struggle. She noted that Aurat Foundation now operates across Pakistan and internationally, 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 a law against domestic violence.
She 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.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed pledge to continue the struggle for gender equality, justice, and dignity, reinforcing Aurat Foundation’s role as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s women’s rights movement for the past four decades.
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