The brave and hardworking daughters, mothers, and sisters of our motherland played crucial roles in the Independence Movement of Pakistan. Their contributions were pivotal in shaping the history of our nation. Here is a brief account of these remarkable women:
Madar-e-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah: Born in 1893 in Karachi, Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah was a prominent leader of the Pakistan Movement and the sister of the founder of Pakistan. She spent most of her life alongside Quaid-i-Azam, awakening Muslim women of the subcontinent during the Pakistan Movement and mobilizing them to participate. After Quaid-i-Azam’s death, she continued to guide and serve the nation, contributing significantly to the rehabilitation of refugees, supporting the Kashmiri Mujahedeen, and promoting women’s education and welfare. She remained dedicated to making Pakistan a modern Islamic welfare state until her last breath.
Bi Amma: Born in 1850 in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh (British India), Bi Amma, originally named Abadi Begum, was the mother of Maulana Mohammad Ali and Maulana Shaukat Ali. Despite being widowed at twenty-seven and illiterate, she educated her sons, even selling her jewellery to support their education. An active participant in the Khilafat Movement, she played a pivotal role in the historical achievements of the Ali Brothers.
Begum Shaista Ikramullah: Begum Shaista Ikramullah, born in 1915 in Kolkata, was the daughter of Hassan Soharwardi and sister of Huseyn Shaheed Soharawardy. She earned a PhD from England in 1945 and was deeply interested in literature, publishing her book “Parde se Parliman talk” in Europe. Upon returning from England, she joined the Pakistan Movement and actively participated in the Muslim League, eventually becoming the director of the All-India Muslim Girls Students Federation. She was elected to the Bengal Legislative Assembly in 1946 and served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Morocco in 1948.
Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan: Born Sheila Irene Pant in 1905 in Almora, she married Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan in 1933. She played a significant role in public relations and publications for the Muslim League and worked tirelessly for refugee rehabilitation after Pakistan’s establishment. She became Pakistan’s first woman ambassador, representing the nation in the Netherlands in 1954 and later serving as ambassador to Italy and Tunisia. She was Governor of Sindh from 1973 to 1974.
Begum Jahan Ara Shah Nawaz: Born in 1896 in Lahore, Begum Jahan Ara Shah Nawaz married Mian Shah Nawaz in 1914. She played a significant role in various women’s conferences and the London Round Table Conference in 1930, advocating for women’s rights. Her efforts led to reserved seats for women in various legislative bodies. She was elected to the Punjab Assembly in 1937 and played a vital role in the Pakistan Movement, including countering Congress propaganda in the USA in 1946.
Begum Viqarun Nisa Noon: Born Victoria in July 1920 in Austria, was a dedicated social worker and wife of Pakistan’s seventh Prime Minister, Feroz Khan Noon. After converting to Islam, she worked extensively to alleviate the refugee crisis following Pakistan’s independence. She was involved in various social work organizations and briefly served as Federal Minister for Tourism and Culture. She founded Viqarun Nisa College for Women in Rawalpindi.
Mohtarma Mahmuda Razzaq: Born in 1929 in Madras, British India, Mohtarma Mahmuda Razzaq actively participated in the civil disobedience campaign against the Khizer Ministry while in college. She was arrested during the agitation and spent time in Central Jail, Lahore. After Pakistan’s creation, she and her family migrated to Pakistan.
Begum Muhammad Ali Johar: Born Amjadi Bano Begum in 1885 in Rampur, she married Maulana Muhammad Ali Johar in 1902. Alongside Bi Amma, she fostered political consciousness among British Indian Muslim women. She attended the 1917 All India Muslim League session and played a significant role in the Khilafat Movement. She joined the All India Muslim League and was a member of its working committee, contributing to Pakistan’s creation.
Begum Tazeen Faridi: Born in 1920 in Lucknow, Begum Tazeen Faridi belonged to an aristocratic family of Oudh. She was the first Muslim woman President of the Lucknow University Student’s Union and actively participated in the Pakistan Movement. She held several significant positions, including President of APWA and Vice-President of the International Council of Women. She represented Pakistan at the 14th session of the Status of Women’s Commission and received various national awards.
Begum Salma Tasadduq Hussain: Born in 1908 in Gujranwala, Salma Mahmooda, later known as Begum Salma Tasadduq Hussain, joined the Muslim League in 1937 and became an active member. She worked tirelessly during the Bengal famine and won elections in 1946. She represented Pakistan at the UNO in 1952 and presented the Sharia Bill in the West Pakistan Assembly. She had a keen interest in poetry and literature.
Mohtarma Shaukat Ara: Born in 1926 in Lahore, Mohtarma Shaukat Ara actively participated in the Independence Movement and rendered exemplary services at the Walton Refugee camp in Lahore. She worked tirelessly in the dispensary alongside her father, a doctor, during the refugee crisis.
Noor Us Sabah Begum: Born in 1978 in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, Noor Us Sabah Begum was a dedicated member of the Pakistan Movement. She established several branches of the Muslim League in Delhi and actively participated in rescue operations during the massacre of Muslims in Garh Maktishar. After Pakistan’s establishment, she continued to work for the Muslim League in various capacities and contributed to social and literary fields.
Mohtarma Fatima Sughra: Born in 1933 in Lahore, Mohtarma Fatima Sughra was a relatively unknown but heroic figure of the Pakistan Independence Movement. At just 14 years old, she climbed the British Civil Secretariat building in Lahore and replaced the Union Jack with the Muslim League flag. Her bravery inspired many, and she later received a gold medal for her contributions to Pakistan’s creation.
The women of Pakistan’s Independence Movement were pioneers of change, courageously fighting for the nation’s freedom and shaping its future. Their legacy is a testament to the strength, resilience, and indomitable spirit of Pakistani women, urging us to continue striving for the ideals they fought for.
