THIS is with reference to the article “Women’s leadership” (Aug 24), which failed to mention one of the most important names among Pakistan’s leading women: Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan.

Before the creation of Pakistan, she had stood firmly beside her husband, and actively participated in the movement. After independence, she devoted herself to the welfare and advancement of all Pakistani women.

In 1949, she founded the All-Pakistan Women’s Association (APWA), an organisation that played a historic role in bringing women into the mainstream of national development. She also established the Pakistan Women’s National Guard, and helped establish the Pakistan Women’s Naval Reserves, encouraging women to participate actively in national service and the defence of their country.

In 1954, she was appointed Pakistan’s ambassador to the Netherlands, becoming Pakistan’s first woman ambassador. She served in that capacity until 1961, and later represented Pakistan as ambassador to Italy and Tunisia. She also became the first woman governor of Sindh, serving from 1973 to 1976.

According to a much popular narrative, after winning a chess game against Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, Begum Ra’ana was gifted a castle. Rather than treating it as her personal property, she handed it over, as per the said account, to the government for use as Pakistan’s consular premises in the Netherlands. She continued to live a simple life in a rented house in Karachi. Her extraordinary services received recognition both at home and internationally.

Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan was a freedom activist, diplomat, social reformer, humanitarian, champion of women’s advancement and public servant. At every stage of her life, she worked for Pakistan and for the betterment of its people, particularly its women. Begum Ra’ana deserves to be remembered, not ignored.

Aamir Aqil
Lahore

Published in Dawn, October 2nd, 2026