A pioneering female journalist and writer who broke barriers in a male-dominated field, known for her bold and progressive writings on women's rights and social issues.
ZaibunNissa Hamidullah was a renowned Pakistani writer, journalist, and pioneer of feminism in Pakistan. She made history by becoming the country's first female editor and publisher, as well as the first female columnist writing in English.
Born on December 25, 1918, in Calcutta, India, ZaibunNissa grew up in a literary family. Her father, S. Wajid Ali, was the first person to translate the works of Urdu poet Muhammad Iqbal into Bengali. She was encouraged to write from a young age and received support from both her English mother and Bengali father. ZaibunNissa's childhood home was a hub for Bengali thinkers and philosophers, which influenced her writing and journalistic career.
ZaibunNissa's writing career spanned several decades and included numerous accomplishments. She wrote for Indian newspapers before independence in 1947 and became the first Muslim woman to write a column in an Indian newspaper. After independence, her column in the newspaper Dawn made her the first female political commentator in Pakistan.
ZaibunNissa's writing reflected her strong feminist beliefs and her commitment to promoting women's rights in Pakistan. Through her columns and editorials, she addressed various social and political issues, advocating for change and progress.
ZaibunNissa's contributions to Pakistani literature and journalism have been recognized and celebrated. In her honor, a street in Karachi was named Zaibunnisa Street.
ZaibunNissa Hamidullah's pioneering work has paved the way for future generations of Pakistani women writers and journalists. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower women in Pakistan and beyond.
ZaibunNissa's life was marked by numerous milestones and achievements. She passed away on September 10, 2000, leaving behind a rich literary and journalistic legacy.
Born in 1912
A prominent Urdu writer and playwright, known for his bold and provocative short stories that explored the human cost of India's partition and the struggles of everyday people. His works are celebrated for their gritty realism and nuanced portrayal of complex social issues.
99 Years Old
A pioneering Urdu writer and critic, known for her novels that explored the Indian subcontinent's cultural heritage and the human experience.