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Renowned educationist, human rights activist, poet, and scholar Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra passed away on Monday in Lahore at the age of 83, her niece Ameena Kamal confirmed to Dawn.

A revered name in Urdu literature and education, Dr Zehra dedicated over five decades to teaching and public service. She was celebrated for her intellect, eloquence, and unwavering commitment to knowledge and equality.

Soon after news of her passing broke, celebrities and public figures took to social media to remember Dr Zehra — celebrating her grace, wisdom, and the indelible mark she left on Pakistan’s academic and cultural landscape.

Veteran actor Simi Raheal wrote that the voice of “a time of wisdom, of gentleness, is silent today”.

Actor and producer Khaled Anam shared a picture with Dr Zehra, affectionately calling her “Meray Mehboob,” saying he will always miss her.

Nayab director Umair Nasir Ali remembered her as his mentor, saying, “Teachers do not just teach — they awaken you to think — and Dr Arfa was one of them.” Reflecting on her eloquence, he added, “Does it not feel like Urdu is the voice of culture when spoken with such poise?”

Writer and actor Mira Sethi called her passing “a huge loss,” saying, “Urdu has lost one of its finest, sweetest — in terms of the mithaas of her words — ambassadors.”

Actor Ahsan Khan described her as “a beacon for education, equality, and the preservation of Urdu language and culture,” while actor Hira Mani wrote that Dr Arfa’s words “will always keep her alive.”

Director and actor Sarmad Khoosat expressed his grief, writing, “Some people should not be allowed to leave us ever. It’s a sad, bad day.”

Actor Ayesha Omar thanked her for the “treasures she left behind,” while model and actor Kiran Malik shared a story mourning her loss.

Musician Aizaz Sohail reflected on being “fortunate enough to sing for her” and to have received her love and admiration.

Actor Imran Abbas recalled his last meeting with her, when he lovingly fed her porridge as she was too weak to eat herself. “She kept refusing — just like my mother — and I felt a strange dread, an unexplainable fear, as if something was about to happen,” he wrote.

Born and raised in Lahore, she completed her BA (Honours) from Lahore College for Women University and an MA in Urdu from Government College University, Lahore. She later earned an MA in Asian Studies and a PhD in History from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Throughout her illustrious career, she taught and served in key roles at LCWU, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), National College of Arts, and the School of Public Policy, Government of Pakistan. She was also a meritorious professor of history at Forman Christian College in Lahore, resigning last year due to health issues.

In 2006, Dr Zehra served as chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), where she championed women’s rights and education across Pakistan.

Dr Zehra’s passing marks the end of an era — but her words, wisdom, and warmth will continue to inspire generations to come.

Cover photo via Arfa Zehra/Instagram