Dr. Arifa Sayeda Zehra, often referred to as a national icon in Pakistan, was a towering figure whose contributions spanned the realms of education, intellectual history, and social advocacy. Her distinctive voice and profound insights, particularly on the Urdu language, literature, human rights, and social issues, cemented her legacy as one of the most respected intellectuals and humanitarians of her time.

👩‍🏫 The Professional Journey of a Pioneering Educationist

Dr. Zehra’s professional life was characterised by a deep commitment to teaching, academic leadership, and educational reform, particularly for women’s empowerment.

• Academic Foundation: She built a formidable academic background, earning a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Lahore College for Women University, a Master of Arts in Urdu from Government College University, Lahore, and further degrees—an M.A. in Asian Studies and a Ph.D. in History—from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Her 1983 dissertation, Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan, 1817-1898: Man with a Mission, reflected her specialisation in intellectual history.
• Key Leadership Roles: Her career included influential roles at premier educational institutions in Lahore:
  • She began as a lecturer at Lahore College for Women in 1966, eventually serving as its vice principal (1985-1988) and then Principal (1988-1989).
  • She later served as the Principal of the Government College of Women, Gulberg (1989-2002).
• Later Career and Influence: Post-retirement from formal administration, her expertise remained in high demand. She was a Professor Emeritus of History at Forman Christian College and was a visiting faculty member at numerous prestigious institutions, including the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and the National College of Arts (NCA).

🌟 Key Achievements and Educational Reforms

Dr. Zehra’s impact on education goes beyond her administrative roles; she was a fervent advocate for quality education and language preservation.

Advocating for the Urdu Language

She was celebrated for her immense knowledge and passion for the Urdu language and literature. Dr. Zehra continually advocated for the language’s continued use, accessibility to classic books, and what she termed a “literary revolution” among Pakistani youth to reconnect them with their national heritage. Her televised forums and lectures often explored the socio-cultural context of the language, discussing influences like colonialism and classism on its perception.

Influential Public Service

Her expertise led to involvement in high-level policy and governance:

• She served as a member of the Punjab Public Service Commission (2002-2005).
• She was a Caretaker Provincial Minister of Punjab, demonstrating her readiness to contribute to provincial governance.
• She served as the Special Advisor to the Prime Minister for Education and National Harmony Affairs.

🫂 Impact as a Social Worker and Human Rights Advocate

While she often stated she preferred to work for social change through the platform of education rather than official NGO membership, Dr. Zehra’s contributions to human rights and gender equality are profound.

• Champion of Gender Equality: Her decision to teach at women’s colleges was deeply rooted in her commitment to female equity and parity. She used her platform to educate women on their basic legal rights and societal roles.
• Chairperson of NCSW: She served as the Chairperson on the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), a critical position from which she could directly influence policy and legislation to improve the lives and standing of women in Pakistan.
• Voice for Development and Rights: She was a vocal proponent for basic human rights and holistic development in Pakistan, often discussing South Asian social issues in public forums and conferences. Her intellectual analysis of societal problems helped shape public discourse and raise awareness among various segments of the population.

💎 The Enduring Legacy

Dr. Arifa Sayeda Zehra’s legacy is one of intellectual honesty, unwavering integrity, and a life dedicated to service. Her passing on November 10, 2025 (at the age of 88), marked the end of an era, but her influence continues.

• Inspiration to Youth: Her engaging and accessible lectures, which often went viral online, made her an inspirational figure, particularly for the youth, who were drawn to her eloquent articulation of complex issues.
• Intellectual Depth: She gifted Pakistan a treasure trove of critical analysis on history, society, and literature, constantly pushing for deeper, more reasoned engagement with national challenges.
• Recognition: Her lifetime of service was recognised through various honors, including the University of Hawaii Distinguished Alumni Awardee in 2016.

Dr. Zehra remains a shining example of how a dedicated educationist can transcend the classroom to become a formidable force for social justice and national harmony. Her work will continue to inspire new generations to seek knowledge and speak truth to power.

Today, on December 10, 2023, the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is being celebrated. December 10 commemorates the day in 1948 when the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Mr Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General said, “Human rights are the foundation for human dignity, and the cornerstone of peaceful, inclusive, fair, equal and prosperous societies…They are a unifying force and a rallying cry. They reflect the most fundamental thing we share – our common humanity.” 

Dr. Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said, “On this Human Rights Day, we reaffirm the universality and indivisibility of all rights, as we stand up for human rights for all.”  He added, “Human rights is a force to reckon with, not because it serves the interests of the powerful, but because it has captured the imagination of the powerless…And so I will endeavour to promote advances in all human rights, without distinction, in every region, and across all UN activities.”

Besides, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the world body has adopted the ‘Geneva Convention’ its ‘Additional Protocols’, (1949)  and International Criminal Court (ICC) (1998) for a single purpose: to defend protect, and safeguard the human rights of all. The basic human rights provisions of the Geneva Conventions including the ones protected under Common Article 3 of the conventions are non-derogable in the sense that they must be respected even in times of international and non-international conflicts, international disturbances, and foreign occupations.

The preamble of the ICC states that ICC is “mindful that during this century millions of children, women, and men have been victims of unimaginable atrocities that deeply shock the conscience of humanity” and “recognizing that such crimes threaten the peace, security and well-being of the world.”
 

Tragically, civilized nations have fallen from their lofty calling: namely, human rights for all mankind. There is a sad commentary on the state of human rights all over the globe. It is the job of all human rights defenders to jump-start that moral evolution.

George Bernard Shaw, world renowned political philosopher was prophetic when he said in 1940’s “Only on paper has humanity yet achieved glory, beauty, truth, knowledge, virtue, and abiding love.”
 

The presence of the ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ ICC and other human rights instruments offers no consolation for the people of Kashmir because its framers have not lived up to its spirit, at least applying it selectively to suit the objectives of certain powers.

The people of Kashmir are perplexed as to how to interpret such joi de vivre. Over seventy-five years have elapsed since the adoption of this Declaration, but the people of Kashmir have not seen an iota of change in the human rights situation in Kashmir. For worse may be but never for the better. The latest phenomenon of settler colonial project has brought Kashmir to the brink of genocide, as articulated by Dr. Gregory Stanton, Chairman, of Genocide Watch before the United States Congress on January 12, 2022. Such international treaties are meaningless for the people of Kashmir, or Palestine or for any other people who do not see their application, or even a negative mention to those who ride roughshod over them with total impunity while enjoying the good graces of some of the members of the world community to aspire to a high moral station above others. 

According to the definition of ICC, tens of thousands of Indian soldiers and scores of India officials are guilty of crimes against humanity in Kashmir. The crimes committed by 900,000 Indian military and paramilitary forces in Kashmir are a daily feature of Kashmiri life. According to Arundhati Roy, India’s legendary novelist, the 900,000 Indian soldiers have made Kashmir the largest militarized zone in the world. Indian army has organized and employed violence against civilians to create deep fear among the general population to advance the political and religious agenda of a Hindutva ideology. Does anyone seriously believe that Under ICC Statue, a single Indian soldier or an official would ever be prosecuted before the ICC? Of course NOT. India has sneered at international law for decades and the international community has just yawned.
  
Too often, the international community closes its eyes to the brutal reality of Kashmir because of India’s hegemony in South Asia and its potentially attractive consumer market.  As a consequence, the moral suasion that could jolt India into recognizing its international law obligation to accede to self‑determination in Kashmir is blunted. 

The world body and saner elements in American policy agencies should take a leaf out of the warning of Arundhati Roy, “Kashmir is the real theatre of unspeakable violence and moral corrosion that can spin us into violence and nuclear war at any moment. To prevent that from happening, the conflict in Kashmir has to be addressed and resolved.” Huff Post, Mar 1, 2019

We call upon the United Nations to use its influence in putting an end of human rights violations especially when the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is being celebrated with great pomp. The UN needs to do more than celebrate anniversaries if it is concerned about ensuring peace, stability and security in South Asia.

Dr. Fai is Secretary General, World Kashmir Awareness Forum. He can be reached at: gnfai2003@yahoo.com www.kashmirawareness.org

Introduction

The Gaza crisis has been a longstanding and deeply entrenched conflict, with far-reaching implications for regional stability and global peace. In this opinion article, we delve into the roles played by three key organizations—the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the United Nations (UN)—in addressing the crisis and fostering a path towards lasting peace.

The Arab League: A Regional Voice

The Arab League, comprising 22 member states, has historically been a significant player in Middle Eastern affairs. Its mission is to promote cooperation, solidarity, and joint action among Arab nations. When it comes to the Gaza crisis, the Arab League has taken several steps:

1. Advocacy for Palestinian Rights: The Arab League consistently advocates for the rights of Palestinians, emphasizing their right to self-determination and statehood. It has condemned Israeli actions in Gaza and called for an end to the blockade.
2. Diplomatic Efforts: The League has engaged in diplomatic efforts, urging dialogue between Israel and Palestine. While these efforts have faced challenges, they remain crucial for maintaining communication channels.
3. Humanitarian Aid: The Arab League provides humanitarian aid to Gaza, supporting essential services and infrastructure. However, the scale of the crisis demands sustained and expanded assistance.

The OIC: Solidarity and Advocacy

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation represents 57 member states, making it the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the UN. Its role in the Gaza crisis includes:

1. Solidarity with Palestinians: The OIC stands in unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people. It has consistently condemned Israeli aggression and called for an end to the occupation.
2. Legal Advocacy: The OIC has supported legal efforts to hold Israel accountable for violations of international law. This includes advocating for investigations into alleged war crimes committed during conflicts in Gaza.
3. Promoting Dialogue: The OIC encourages dialogue between Israel and Palestine, emphasizing the need for a just and comprehensive solution. It recognizes that peace cannot be achieved without addressing core issues.

The UN: A Multilateral Approach

The United Nations, as the global body responsible for peace and security, plays a critical role in the Gaza crisis:

1. UN Resolutions: Numerous UN resolutions affirm the rights of Palestinians and call for an end to the occupation. However, implementation remains a challenge due to geopolitical complexities.
2. Humanitarian Assistance: UN agencies provide vital humanitarian aid to Gaza, including food, healthcare, and education. Yet, the situation remains dire, with chronic shortages and infrastructure damage.
3. Peacekeeping Efforts: The UN supports peacekeeping missions and facilitates dialogue between conflicting parties. However, achieving lasting peace requires sustained commitment from all stakeholders.

Conclusion: A Collective Responsibility

The Gaza crisis demands collective action. The Arab League, OIC, and UN must collaborate more effectively, transcending political differences. Here are some steps forward:

1. Comprehensive Dialogue: Encourage direct talks between Israel and Palestine, addressing core issues such as borders, settlements, and refugees.
2. Economic Development: Invest in Gaza’s economic development to alleviate suffering and create opportunities for its people.
3. International Pressure: The international community must exert consistent pressure on all parties to comply with international law and seek peaceful solutions.

In the end, peace in Gaza is not just a regional concern—it is a global imperative. Let us work together to ensure a brighter future for all.

FAQs

What is the Gaza crisis? 

The Gaza crisis refers to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, specifically centered around the Gaza Strip. It involves territorial disputes, violence, and humanitarian challenges affecting the lives of civilians in the region.

What is the Arab League, and what role does it play in the Gaza crisis? 

The Arab League is an organization comprising 22 member states from the Arab world. Its role in the Gaza crisis includes advocating for Palestinian rights, engaging in diplomatic efforts, and providing humanitarian aid. The League consistently condemns Israeli actions and calls for an end to the blockade.

How does the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) contribute to addressing the Gaza crisis? 

The OIC represents 57 member states and stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people. It supports legal efforts to hold Israel accountable for violations of international law and promotes dialogue between conflicting parties. The OIC emphasizes the need for a just and comprehensive solution.

What role does the United Nations (UN) play in the Gaza crisis? 

The UN, as a global body responsible for peace and security, has issued numerous resolutions affirming Palestinian rights and calling for an end to the occupation. UN agencies provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, but achieving lasting peace requires sustained commitment from all stakeholders.

What steps can be taken to address the crisis and work towards peace?

1. Encourage comprehensive dialogue between Israel and Palestine.

Invest in Gaza’s economic development.

Exert international pressure to ensure compliance with international law.