Staff Report
Renowned literary figure and educationist Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra passed away on Monday, confirmed writer and academic Dr Asghar Nadeem Syed.
Dr Zehra was a distinguished scholar known for her contributions to literature, education, and culture.
She earned her Master’s degree in Urdu from Government College Lahore and later obtained a PhD in History from the East-West Centre, University of Hawaii.
She served as the principal of Government College for Women, Gulberg, Lahore, from 1986 to 2009. Over the years, Dr Zehra became a respected name in academic and cultural circles for her intellect, eloquence, and dedication to education.
Fluent in seven languages, she was also a member of several educational, administrative, social, and cultural committees, where she actively promoted learning, dialogue, and inclusion.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief over the passing of Dr Zehra, describing her demise as an irreparable loss to Pakistan’s academic & literary community.
“The deceased’s scholarly services and efforts for the promotion of the national language will always be remembered,” he remarked.
President Zardari prayed for peace for the departed soul and conveyed condolences to the family, students, and academic community.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of renowned Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra
In a statement, the prime minister paid rich tribute to Zehra for her outstanding academic and research contributions, particularly her dedicated efforts to promote the Urdu language.
He prayed for the departed soul’s peace and conveyed his condolences to the family, students, and academic community.



