In memory: Remembering Fauzia Wahab

Experiences shared by friends, peers and family members at condolence reference.

KARACHI: Friends, colleagues and peers paid tribute to the former Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) member, Fauzia Wahab, who recently passed away. Described as an example of bravery, commitment and loyalty, Wahab will always be remembered for addressing matters which often went unheard such as human, women and minorities’ rights across the country.

The condolence reference was held by The Unirakarians at the Defence Central Library on Saturday where several of Wahab’s ex-class mates, friends, teachers and family members were in attendance, paying their tributes and respects.

“She was not afraid of anything and openly said whatever she thought right,” said the Sindh acting governor, Nisar Ahmed Khuhro while talking about his experiences with Wahab.  Khuhro said that she remained very near to the top leadership. “She worked hard for the people and remained sincere to the party,” he said.

Khuhro also announced that scholarships would be named after Fauzia Wahab at the University of Karachi.

Wahab’s son, Murtaza, speaking at the occasion said, “I still feel my mother will phone me in the evening.” “She always said that I shouldn’t be afraid of anything. She was not only my mother but a father figure as well,” said Murtaza.

The PPP parliamentarian, Nafeesa Shah, appreciated what Wahab had done as a central party leader. “Her loyalty to the party was unquestioned. She was the party’s front line leader and we’ll always miss her,” she said.

Wahab’s friends also said that she had a successful career and served as a role model for people who belonged to the middle class. “Friends and foes cried on her death alike,” said Nighat, a friend of Wahab’s.

The famous economist, Dr Kaiser Bengali, a university friend of Wahab’s, praised her moral courage and loyalty.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 16^th, 2012.