Begum Ra'ana Liaquat Ali Khan
Encyclopedia
Begum
Ra'ana Liaquat Ali Khan (Urdu
: رعنا لیاقت علی خان; February 13, 1905 - June 13, 1990) (née Sheila Irene Pant), DPhil
, NI, was one of the leading woman figure in Pakistan Movement
, along with her husband Liaquat Ali Khan
, and career economist
, and prominent stateswoman from the start of the cold war till the fall and the end of the cold war
. Ra'anna was one of the leading woman politician and nationwide respected woman personality who started her career in 1940s and witnessed key major events
in Pakistan. She was one of the leading and pioneering woman figure in Pakistan Movement
and served as the executive member of Pakistan Movement committee working under Muhammad Ali Jinnah
. She also served as economical adviser to Jinnah's Pakistan Movement Committee and later became First Lady of Pakistan when her husband Liaqat Khan Ali became Pakistan's first Prime minister
. As First Lady of Pakistan, she launched and constituent programs for woman's development in newly founded country. Later, she would went onto start her long career as stateswoman that would last a decade.
In 1970s, she joined hands with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
's political movement
and joined the of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, elected Prime minister at that time. She was one of the most trusted and close government and economical adviser to Bhutto and his government, and had played influential role and involved with many key economical decisions taken by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto led the appointment of Ra'ana as the Governor
of Sindh Province and took the oath in February 15, 1973. Ra'ana was the first woman Governor of Sindh as well as first Chancellor
of University of Karachi
.In 1977, Ra'ana along with Bhutto and his party, won the parliamentary elections
of 1977, but did not take the Gubernatorial office due to Martial law imposed
by General Zia-ul-Haq, Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan Army
. Ra'ana went on to work and dedicated her life for for the social and economic benefit of women of Pakistan till her death in 1990. She died in 1990 due to cardiac arrest and was buried in Karachi with full state and military honors were given to her in her funeral. Because of her services and efforts for the medical and woman development and woman empowerment, Ra'ana is commonly known as "Māder-e-Pakistan" (English translation: Mother of Pakistan).
, now in Uttarakhand
, India, to a British Army
's senior army officer Major-General Hector Pant, whose Kumaoni Brahmin family was a recent convert to Christianity
in 1887. Sheila Irene Pant attended and was educated at the University of Lucknow
where she gained Double First Class Honours B.A.
in Economic and B.T.
in Religion studies in 1927. Later, she obtained double M.Sc.
in Economics
and Sociology
with Honors in 1929. She began her career as a teacher
in the Gokhale Memorial School after completing the Teachers Diploma Course from the Diocesan College
, Calcutta. After her Master's degree, Ra'anna was appointed as Professor
of Economics
in the Indraprastha College University
, of New Delhi
in 1931. Pant met with Liaqat Ali Khan when he there to deliver a lecture on Law and Justice at the Indraprastha College University in 1931. In December 1932, Pant married to Liaqat Ali Khan and converted to Islam
as she married to Khan. She changed her name to Sheila Irene Pant to Ra'anna Liaqat Ali Khan. After the reorganization of Muslim League, Begum Ra'ana devoted herself to the task of creating political consciousness amongst the Muslim women society of British Indian Empire. During this time, Ra'anna became an executive member of Jinnah's Working Committee and served there as economical adviser. Her struggle for emancipation and the support for Pakistan continued till the creation of Pakistan
for Muslims of India
in 1947.
. While as Professor of Economics, Ra'ana immensely moblized students from her college and went to Legislative Assembly to hear her husband's debate carrying placards of "Simon Go Home". With Liaquat Ali Khan winning the debate, became an instant hero with her friends. She later sold him a ticket to a stage show to raise funds for flood relief in Bihar. Ra'ana proved to be Liaquat Ali Khan’s constant partner and companion. She became politically involved with her husband and played a major role in Pakistan Movement. She became a defining moment in Pakistan's history when she accompanied her husband to London, United Kingdom in May 1933. There, She and Khan met with Jinnah at Hamstead Heath residence, and successfully convinced Jinnah to return to British Indian Empire to resume the Leadership of All India Muslim League. Jinnah returned to India, and Ra'ana was appointed as executive member of Muslim League and Chairperson of Economic Division of the Party.
In 1942, when it became apparent that Imperial Japan was near attacking India, Jinnah summoned Ra'ana said to her "Be prepared to train the women. Islam doesn't want women to be shut up and never see fresh air". To undertake this task, Ra'ana became to organize Muslim women presented itself in the same year, when she formed a small volunteer medical corps for nursing and first aid in Delhi. Begum Ra’ana played an important role in creating political awareness among women. Ra'ana was among the aspiring woman in Subcontinent and encourage hundreds of women to fight for Pakistan shoulder-to-shoulder to men.
. As First Lady, she initiate reforms for woman and child development, social progress of woman and played a major role for woman's part in Pakistan's politics. After the assassination of her husband Liaquat Ali Khan
in 1951, Begum Ra'ana continued her services for the social and economic benefit of women of Pakistan
till her death in 1990. One of the daunting challenge for her was to organize health services for woman and children migrating from India to Pakistan.
In 1947, as the refugees poured in from across the border, amidst the most pitiable of conditions with cholera, diarrhea and small pox being common sights everywhere, she called upon women to come forward and collect food and medical supplies from government offices. The women came forward despite the resistance they faced from certain sections of society, including certain newspapers where they were attacked in the most vicious manner by elements that did not want women to come out from their "four walls". She firmly believed that for a society to do justice to itself it was pertinent that women played their due role in reforming society alongside the men.
During this point in Pakistan’s history there weren’t many nurses in Karachi, so Begum Liaquat asked the army to train women to give injections and first aid. Women were thus trained in three to six month courses and as such the Para-military forces for women were formed. Pakistan Army
quickly established Army Medical Corps
and recruited large number of women nurses as army nurses. During this period, girls were also personally encouraged by Begum Liaquat to take up nursing as a profession. They were also taught the rifle drill, to decode ciphers, typing and a host of other duties so they could be useful in times of national crises like the refugee crisis of 1947.
, and was appointed as the Chief Controller. For her immense services to military as civilian, Pakistan Army
notably appointed her as first woman Brigadier-General and an honorary uniformed was issued especially for her. The Pakistan Woman National Group was intended to fight for the women's rights and aimed to prevent brutal treatment of woman either received by her spouses or caused by domestic violence. At first, the organization was successful and took deep initiatives in West-Pakistan
to lower the rate of violence against the woman, as she was organization's President. But after her husband's death, Ra'ana departed from Pakistan as she was appointed as Pakistan Ambassador to the Netherlands. Following her depart, the Pakistan Women National Group could not survived and soon disbanded due to financial distress and lack of government's apathy. However, the Pakistan Woman Naval Reserves still continues as of today where many woman joined the Navy through this program. The program has lasting effects in Pakistan Armed Forces and Army and Air Force later established Woman Reserves program as part of her vision.
for the social
, educational and cultural uplift of the women, named as All Pakistan Women's Association
(APWA). She was nominated as its first President
and unlike Pakistan Women National Group, the APWA continued to grow as it continuously fought for woman's right in Pakistan. For its services, Government of Pakistan established APWA College in Lahore as part of its struggle.
, and also was the first woman ambassador of Pakistan. She represented Pakistan in the Netherlands until 1961 and was also the Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps
. In June of 1966, she was appointed as Pakistan Ambassador to Italy and stayed there until 1965. Later, she was directed to Tunisia as Pakistan Ambasaddor to Tunisia and held this position until March 1966. Following her returned to Pakistan, Ra'ana joined Rana Liaquat Ali Khan Government College of Home Economics
as Professor of Economics and stayed there until 1973. The Government College University
awarded her honorary doctorate in economics and conferred her with a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics in 1967.
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
and political movement
and joined the of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Ra'ana was part of Bhutto's Ministry of Finance and Economics and played a major and influential role in decisions being made concerning the economics. Bhutto encouraged her to participate in an upcoming elections and won elections of 1973. Bhutto did not waste time to appoint Ra'ana as Governor
of Sindh Province. Ra'ana was the first woman governor of the province of Sind and the first Chancellor of Sindh University and Karachi University. She continued her term until 1976 when new elections were made. Ra'ana again contested in 1977 parliamentary elections
but did not take the Gubernatorial office due to Martial law imposed
by General Zia-ul-Haq, Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan Army
. She was one of the personality that argued against the martial law and against the execution of Bhutto. On a day when Bhutto was executed, Ra'ana was reported to be disheartened and emotionally distressed and cried over Bhutto's death for more than three days constantly. Ra'ana launched anti-Zia campaign and fought against the military government of General Zia. She single-handedly took on Pakistan’s most powerful man, General Zia-ul-Haq, at that time. It was during the 1980’s, when she, despite her illness and old age, publicly attacked the General for passing Islamic laws
that were contradictory to Islamic teachings and clearly against women. The General, out of respect for her position in society and achievements, decided to leave her alone.
. Her other many awards and medals include the Jane Adam’s Medal in 1950, Woman of Achievement Medal 1950, Mother of Pakistan in 1950, Nishan-i-Imtiaz
in 1959, Grand Cross of Orange Nassau in 1961 (the Netherlands), International Gimbel Award 1962 , Woman of the World in 1965 chosen by the Turkish Women’s Association, Ankara and Vavaliera di Gran Croce in 1966 (Italy)
Begum
Begum, Begam or Baigum is a Turkic title given to female family members of a Baig or 'Beg', a higher official. The term Begum is derived from the word Beg, and means a female member of the Beg's family.Also used Begzadi, for Ex...
Ra'ana Liaquat Ali Khan (Urdu
Urdu
Urdu is a register of the Hindustani language that is identified with Muslims in South Asia. It belongs to the Indo-European family. Urdu is the national language and lingua franca of Pakistan. It is also widely spoken in some regions of India, where it is one of the 22 scheduled languages and an...
: رعنا لیاقت علی خان; February 13, 1905 - June 13, 1990) (née Sheila Irene Pant), DPhil
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated as Ph.D., PhD, D.Phil., or DPhil , in English-speaking countries, is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities...
, NI, was one of the leading woman figure in Pakistan Movement
Pakistan Movement
The Pakistan Movement or Tehrik-e-Pakistan refers to the historical movement to have an independent Muslim state named Pakistan created from the separation of the north-western region of the Indian subcontinent, partitioned within or outside the British Indian Empire. It had its origins in the...
, along with her husband Liaquat Ali Khan
Liaquat Ali Khan
For other people with the same or similar name, see Liaqat Ali Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan was a Pakistani statesman who became the first Prime Minister of Pakistan, Defence minister and Commonwealth, Kashmir Affairs...
, and career economist
Economist
An economist is a professional in the social science discipline of economics. The individual may also study, develop, and apply theories and concepts from economics and write about economic policy...
, and prominent stateswoman from the start of the cold war till the fall and the end of the cold war
Cold War
The Cold War was the continuing state from roughly 1946 to 1991 of political conflict, military tension, proxy wars, and economic competition between the Communist World—primarily the Soviet Union and its satellite states and allies—and the powers of the Western world, primarily the United States...
. Ra'anna was one of the leading woman politician and nationwide respected woman personality who started her career in 1940s and witnessed key major events
History of Pakistan
The 1st known inhabitants of the modern-day Pakistan region are believed to have been the Soanian , who settled in the Soan Valley and Riwat almost 2 million years ago. Over the next several thousand years, the region would develop into various civilizations like Mehrgarh and the Indus Valley...
in Pakistan. She was one of the leading and pioneering woman figure in Pakistan Movement
Pakistan Movement
The Pakistan Movement or Tehrik-e-Pakistan refers to the historical movement to have an independent Muslim state named Pakistan created from the separation of the north-western region of the Indian subcontinent, partitioned within or outside the British Indian Empire. It had its origins in the...
and served as the executive member of Pakistan Movement committee working under Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a Muslim lawyer, politician, statesman and the founder of Pakistan. He is popularly and officially known in Pakistan as Quaid-e-Azam and Baba-e-Qaum ....
. She also served as economical adviser to Jinnah's Pakistan Movement Committee and later became First Lady of Pakistan when her husband Liaqat Khan Ali became Pakistan's first Prime minister
Prime Minister of Pakistan
The Prime Minister of Pakistan , is the Head of Government of Pakistan who is designated to exercise as the country's Chief Executive. By the Constitution of Pakistan, Pakistan has the parliamentary democratic system of government...
. As First Lady of Pakistan, she launched and constituent programs for woman's development in newly founded country. Later, she would went onto start her long career as stateswoman that would last a decade.
In 1970s, she joined hands with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was 9th Prime Minister of Pakistan from 1973 to 1977, and prior to that, 4th President of Pakistan from 1971 to 1973. Bhutto was the founder of the Pakistan Peoples Party — the largest and most influential political party in Pakistan— and served as its chairman until his...
's political movement
Socialism in Pakistan
The influences of Socialism and socialist movements in Pakistan have been fluctuating and often limited at various times throughout the country's history and at present remain questionable...
and joined the of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, elected Prime minister at that time. She was one of the most trusted and close government and economical adviser to Bhutto and his government, and had played influential role and involved with many key economical decisions taken by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto led the appointment of Ra'ana as the Governor
Governor of Sindh
The Governor of Sindh is the appointed Head of State of the provincial government in Sindh, Pakistan. The governor is designated by the Prime Minister and is normally regarded a ceremonial post...
of Sindh Province and took the oath in February 15, 1973. Ra'ana was the first woman Governor of Sindh as well as first Chancellor
Chancellor
Chancellor is the title of various official positions in the governments of many nations. The original chancellors were the Cancellarii of Roman courts of justice—ushers who sat at the cancelli or lattice work screens of a basilica or law court, which separated the judge and counsel from the...
of University of Karachi
University of Karachi
The University of Karachi is a public university located in Karachi, Pakistan. It serves an on-campus student population of more than 24,000. According to the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, it is ranked among the top three universities of the country...
.In 1977, Ra'ana along with Bhutto and his party, won the parliamentary elections
Pakistani general election, 1977
General elections were held in Pakistan on 7 March 1977. The result was a victory for the Pakistan People's Party, which won 155 of the 200 elected seats, including 19 that were uncontested as the Pakistan National Alliance boycotted the Balochistan elections due to ongoing military...
of 1977, but did not take the Gubernatorial office due to Martial law imposed
Operation Fair Play
Operation Fairplay was the code-name for the coup d'etat conducted at midnight on July 4, 1977 by the Pakistan Army's 111th Infantry Brigade led by Chief of Army Staff General Zia-ul-Haq against the elected civilian government of then-Prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.-1977 election:The coup was...
by General Zia-ul-Haq, Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan Army
Pakistan Army
The Pakistan Army is the branch of the Pakistani Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. The Pakistan Army came into existence after the Partition of India and the resulting independence of Pakistan in 1947. It is currently headed by General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. The Pakistan...
. Ra'ana went on to work and dedicated her life for for the social and economic benefit of women of Pakistan till her death in 1990. She died in 1990 due to cardiac arrest and was buried in Karachi with full state and military honors were given to her in her funeral. Because of her services and efforts for the medical and woman development and woman empowerment, Ra'ana is commonly known as "Māder-e-Pakistan" (English translation: Mother of Pakistan).
Early Life and Education
Born in AlmoraAlmora
Almora is a municipal board, a cantonment town in the Almora district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Almora was founded in 1568.It is a town bustling with activity and a rich cultural heritage and history. It is considered the cultural heart of the Kumaon region of...
, now in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand , formerly Uttaranchal, is a state in the northern part of India. It is often referred to as the Land of Gods due to the many holy Hindu temples and cities found throughout the state, some of which are among Hinduism's most spiritual and auspicious places of pilgrimage and worship...
, India, to a British Army
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
's senior army officer Major-General Hector Pant, whose Kumaoni Brahmin family was a recent convert to Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
in 1887. Sheila Irene Pant attended and was educated at the University of Lucknow
University of Lucknow
The University of Lucknow is a university in the city of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is affiliated to University Grants Commission; Association of Commonwealth Universities ; Association of Indian Universities ; Distance Education Council...
where she gained Double First Class Honours B.A.
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
in Economic and B.T.
Bachelor of Theology
The Bachelor of Theology is a three to five year undergraduate degree in theological disciplines. Candidates for this degree typically must complete course work in Greek or Hebrew, as well as systematic theology, biblical theology, ethics, homiletics and Christian ministry...
in Religion studies in 1927. Later, she obtained double M.Sc.
Master of Science
A Master of Science is a postgraduate academic master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is typically studied for in the sciences including the social sciences.-Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay:...
in Economics
Economics
Economics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek from + , hence "rules of the house"...
and Sociology
Sociology
Sociology is the study of society. It is a social science—a term with which it is sometimes synonymous—which uses various methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis to develop a body of knowledge about human social activity...
with Honors in 1929. She began her career as a teacher
Teacher
A teacher or schoolteacher is a person who provides education for pupils and students . The role of teacher is often formal and ongoing, carried out at a school or other place of formal education. In many countries, a person who wishes to become a teacher must first obtain specified professional...
in the Gokhale Memorial School after completing the Teachers Diploma Course from the Diocesan College
Diocesan College
The Diocesan College, or Bishops as it is more commonly known, is an independent, all-boys school situated in the suburb of Rondebosch in Cape Town, South Africa...
, Calcutta. After her Master's degree, Ra'anna was appointed as Professor
Professor
A professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
of Economics
Economics
Economics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek from + , hence "rules of the house"...
in the Indraprastha College University
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University is a public, professional university located in Delhi, India...
, of New Delhi
New Delhi
New Delhi is the capital city of India. It serves as the centre of the Government of India and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. New Delhi is situated within the metropolis of Delhi. It is one of the nine districts of Delhi Union Territory. The total area of the city is...
in 1931. Pant met with Liaqat Ali Khan when he there to deliver a lecture on Law and Justice at the Indraprastha College University in 1931. In December 1932, Pant married to Liaqat Ali Khan and converted to Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
as she married to Khan. She changed her name to Sheila Irene Pant to Ra'anna Liaqat Ali Khan. After the reorganization of Muslim League, Begum Ra'ana devoted herself to the task of creating political consciousness amongst the Muslim women society of British Indian Empire. During this time, Ra'anna became an executive member of Jinnah's Working Committee and served there as economical adviser. Her struggle for emancipation and the support for Pakistan continued till the creation of Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
for Muslims of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
in 1947.
Pakistan Movement
With her husband, Ra'ana strongly opposed the Simon CommissionSimon Commission
The Indian Statutory Commission was a group of seven British Members of Parliament that had been dispatched to India in 1927 to study constitutional reform in Britain's most important colonial dependency. It was commonly referred to as the Simon Commission after its chairman, Sir John Simon...
. While as Professor of Economics, Ra'ana immensely moblized students from her college and went to Legislative Assembly to hear her husband's debate carrying placards of "Simon Go Home". With Liaquat Ali Khan winning the debate, became an instant hero with her friends. She later sold him a ticket to a stage show to raise funds for flood relief in Bihar. Ra'ana proved to be Liaquat Ali Khan’s constant partner and companion. She became politically involved with her husband and played a major role in Pakistan Movement. She became a defining moment in Pakistan's history when she accompanied her husband to London, United Kingdom in May 1933. There, She and Khan met with Jinnah at Hamstead Heath residence, and successfully convinced Jinnah to return to British Indian Empire to resume the Leadership of All India Muslim League. Jinnah returned to India, and Ra'ana was appointed as executive member of Muslim League and Chairperson of Economic Division of the Party.
In 1942, when it became apparent that Imperial Japan was near attacking India, Jinnah summoned Ra'ana said to her "Be prepared to train the women. Islam doesn't want women to be shut up and never see fresh air". To undertake this task, Ra'ana became to organize Muslim women presented itself in the same year, when she formed a small volunteer medical corps for nursing and first aid in Delhi. Begum Ra’ana played an important role in creating political awareness among women. Ra'ana was among the aspiring woman in Subcontinent and encourage hundreds of women to fight for Pakistan shoulder-to-shoulder to men.
First Lady
Ra'ana was the first First Lady of PakistanPrime Minister of Pakistan
The Prime Minister of Pakistan , is the Head of Government of Pakistan who is designated to exercise as the country's Chief Executive. By the Constitution of Pakistan, Pakistan has the parliamentary democratic system of government...
. As First Lady, she initiate reforms for woman and child development, social progress of woman and played a major role for woman's part in Pakistan's politics. After the assassination of her husband Liaquat Ali Khan
Liaquat Ali Khan
For other people with the same or similar name, see Liaqat Ali Nawabzada Liaquat Ali Khan was a Pakistani statesman who became the first Prime Minister of Pakistan, Defence minister and Commonwealth, Kashmir Affairs...
in 1951, Begum Ra'ana continued her services for the social and economic benefit of women of Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
till her death in 1990. One of the daunting challenge for her was to organize health services for woman and children migrating from India to Pakistan.
In 1947, as the refugees poured in from across the border, amidst the most pitiable of conditions with cholera, diarrhea and small pox being common sights everywhere, she called upon women to come forward and collect food and medical supplies from government offices. The women came forward despite the resistance they faced from certain sections of society, including certain newspapers where they were attacked in the most vicious manner by elements that did not want women to come out from their "four walls". She firmly believed that for a society to do justice to itself it was pertinent that women played their due role in reforming society alongside the men.
During this point in Pakistan’s history there weren’t many nurses in Karachi, so Begum Liaquat asked the army to train women to give injections and first aid. Women were thus trained in three to six month courses and as such the Para-military forces for women were formed. Pakistan Army
Pakistan Army
The Pakistan Army is the branch of the Pakistani Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. The Pakistan Army came into existence after the Partition of India and the resulting independence of Pakistan in 1947. It is currently headed by General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. The Pakistan...
quickly established Army Medical Corps
Pakistan Army Medical Corps
The Pakistan Army Medical Corps, Urdu: ﺁرمى مڈيكل كور; Army medical Core, abbreviated as the AMC, is a military administrative non-combatant staff corps, and a primary military medical command of the Pakistan Army. Initially part of the Indian Army Medical Corps, it was born in 1947 and served...
and recruited large number of women nurses as army nurses. During this period, girls were also personally encouraged by Begum Liaquat to take up nursing as a profession. They were also taught the rifle drill, to decode ciphers, typing and a host of other duties so they could be useful in times of national crises like the refugee crisis of 1947.
Initiatives for women
Ra'ana founded Pakistan Women National Guards (PWNG), and helped established the Pakistan Woman Naval Reserves in the NavyPakistan Navy
The Pakistan Navy is the naval warfare/service branch of the Pakistan Armed Forces. Pakistan's Navy is responsible for Pakistan's coastline along the Arabian Sea and the defense of important civilian harbors and military bases...
, and was appointed as the Chief Controller. For her immense services to military as civilian, Pakistan Army
Pakistan Army
The Pakistan Army is the branch of the Pakistani Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. The Pakistan Army came into existence after the Partition of India and the resulting independence of Pakistan in 1947. It is currently headed by General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. The Pakistan...
notably appointed her as first woman Brigadier-General and an honorary uniformed was issued especially for her. The Pakistan Woman National Group was intended to fight for the women's rights and aimed to prevent brutal treatment of woman either received by her spouses or caused by domestic violence. At first, the organization was successful and took deep initiatives in West-Pakistan
West Pakistan
West Pakistan , common name West-Pakistan , in the period between its establishment on 22 November 1955 to disintegration on December 16, 1971. This period, during which, Pakistan was divided, ended when East-Pakistan was disintegrated and succeeded to become which is now what is known as Bangladesh...
to lower the rate of violence against the woman, as she was organization's President. But after her husband's death, Ra'ana departed from Pakistan as she was appointed as Pakistan Ambassador to the Netherlands. Following her depart, the Pakistan Women National Group could not survived and soon disbanded due to financial distress and lack of government's apathy. However, the Pakistan Woman Naval Reserves still continues as of today where many woman joined the Navy through this program. The program has lasting effects in Pakistan Armed Forces and Army and Air Force later established Woman Reserves program as part of her vision.
Establishment of APWA
In 1949, Begum Ra'ana arranged a conference of over 100 active women from all over Pakistan. The conference announced the formation of a voluntary and non-political organizationOrganization
An organization is a social group which distributes tasks for a collective goal. The word itself is derived from the Greek word organon, itself derived from the better-known word ergon - as we know `organ` - and it means a compartment for a particular job.There are a variety of legal types of...
for the social
Social
The term social refers to a characteristic of living organisms...
, educational and cultural uplift of the women, named as All Pakistan Women's Association
All Pakistan Women's Association
The All Pakistan Women's Association, or APWA, as it is commonly known, is a non-profit and non-political Pakistani organization whose fundamental aim is the furtherance of the moral, social and economic welfare of the women of Pakistan....
(APWA). She was nominated as its first President
President
A president is a leader of an organization, company, trade union, university, or country.Etymologically, a president is one who presides, who sits in leadership...
and unlike Pakistan Women National Group, the APWA continued to grow as it continuously fought for woman's right in Pakistan. For its services, Government of Pakistan established APWA College in Lahore as part of its struggle.
Career as Stateswoman
After her husband's death, Ra'ana went onto start her career as stateswoman that lasted more than 2 decades. In 1952, Ra'ana was the first Muslim woman delegate to the United Nations in 1952. In 1954, Government of Pakistan had appointed her as Pakistan Ambassador to the NetherlandsNetherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
, and also was the first woman ambassador of Pakistan. She represented Pakistan in the Netherlands until 1961 and was also the Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps
Diplomatic corps
The diplomatic corps or corps diplomatique is the collective body of foreign diplomats accredited to a particular country or body.The diplomatic corps may, in certain contexts, refer to the collection of accredited heads of mission who represent their countries in another state or country...
. In June of 1966, she was appointed as Pakistan Ambassador to Italy and stayed there until 1965. Later, she was directed to Tunisia as Pakistan Ambasaddor to Tunisia and held this position until March 1966. Following her returned to Pakistan, Ra'ana joined Rana Liaquat Ali Khan Government College of Home Economics
Rana Liaquat Ali Khan Government College of Home Economics
Rana Liaquat Ali Khan Government College of Home Economics is situated at Stadium Road in Gulshan-e-Iqbal in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.The RLAK Government College was founded by Begum Rana Liaquat Ali Khan wife of first Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawab Liaquat Ali Khan.-Vision of Ford...
as Professor of Economics and stayed there until 1973. The Government College University
Government College University
Government College University, Lahore is a co-educational public university located on The Mall in Lahore, Pakistan...
awarded her honorary doctorate in economics and conferred her with a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics in 1967.
Bhutto's companion
In 1972, as Pakistan was dismembered and going through an intense crises, Ra'ana joined hands with then-PresidentPresident of Pakistan
The President of Pakistan is the head of state, as well as figurehead, of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Recently passed an XVIII Amendment , Pakistan has a parliamentary democratic system of government. According to the Constitution, the President is chosen by the Electoral College to serve a...
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was 9th Prime Minister of Pakistan from 1973 to 1977, and prior to that, 4th President of Pakistan from 1971 to 1973. Bhutto was the founder of the Pakistan Peoples Party — the largest and most influential political party in Pakistan— and served as its chairman until his...
and political movement
Socialism in Pakistan
The influences of Socialism and socialist movements in Pakistan have been fluctuating and often limited at various times throughout the country's history and at present remain questionable...
and joined the of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Ra'ana was part of Bhutto's Ministry of Finance and Economics and played a major and influential role in decisions being made concerning the economics. Bhutto encouraged her to participate in an upcoming elections and won elections of 1973. Bhutto did not waste time to appoint Ra'ana as Governor
Governor of Sindh
The Governor of Sindh is the appointed Head of State of the provincial government in Sindh, Pakistan. The governor is designated by the Prime Minister and is normally regarded a ceremonial post...
of Sindh Province. Ra'ana was the first woman governor of the province of Sind and the first Chancellor of Sindh University and Karachi University. She continued her term until 1976 when new elections were made. Ra'ana again contested in 1977 parliamentary elections
Pakistani general election, 1977
General elections were held in Pakistan on 7 March 1977. The result was a victory for the Pakistan People's Party, which won 155 of the 200 elected seats, including 19 that were uncontested as the Pakistan National Alliance boycotted the Balochistan elections due to ongoing military...
but did not take the Gubernatorial office due to Martial law imposed
Operation Fair Play
Operation Fairplay was the code-name for the coup d'etat conducted at midnight on July 4, 1977 by the Pakistan Army's 111th Infantry Brigade led by Chief of Army Staff General Zia-ul-Haq against the elected civilian government of then-Prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.-1977 election:The coup was...
by General Zia-ul-Haq, Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan Army
Pakistan Army
The Pakistan Army is the branch of the Pakistani Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. The Pakistan Army came into existence after the Partition of India and the resulting independence of Pakistan in 1947. It is currently headed by General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. The Pakistan...
. She was one of the personality that argued against the martial law and against the execution of Bhutto. On a day when Bhutto was executed, Ra'ana was reported to be disheartened and emotionally distressed and cried over Bhutto's death for more than three days constantly. Ra'ana launched anti-Zia campaign and fought against the military government of General Zia. She single-handedly took on Pakistan’s most powerful man, General Zia-ul-Haq, at that time. It was during the 1980’s, when she, despite her illness and old age, publicly attacked the General for passing Islamic laws
Zia-ul-Haq's Islamization
On December 2, 1978, General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq delivered a nationwide address on the occasion of the first day of the Hijra calendar. He did this in order to usher in an Islamic system to Pakistan...
that were contradictory to Islamic teachings and clearly against women. The General, out of respect for her position in society and achievements, decided to leave her alone.
Death
Begum Liaquat died on June 13, 1990 and was buried next to her husband in the precincts of the Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum. With her has ended a historic period for the women and youth of Pakistan who, future generations, will no doubt seek inspiration from Begum’s Liaquat’s life and contributions to the emancipation of women.Honors and Legacy
Ra'ana is considered one of the greatest woman leader Pakistan as produced. In Pakistan, she is given titled as "Mother of Pakistan" received in 1950. Ra'ana continues to be seen as a symbol of selfless service to the cause of humanity and uplift of women. In recognition of her life-long struggle for women’s rights, she was awarded the United Nation’s Human Rights Award in 1978United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights
The United Nations Prizes in the Field of Human Rights were instituted by United Nations General Assembly in 1966.They are intended to "honour and commend people and organizations which have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion and protection of the human rights embodied in the...
. Her other many awards and medals include the Jane Adam’s Medal in 1950, Woman of Achievement Medal 1950, Mother of Pakistan in 1950, Nishan-i-Imtiaz
Nishan-i-Imtiaz
The Nishan-i-Imtiaz is one of the state organized civil decorations of State of Pakistan. It is the highest honor — along with comparable to optimum award Nishan-e-Pakistan — given to any civilian in Pakistan based on their achievements that caused the world recognition for Pakistan or/ done a...
in 1959, Grand Cross of Orange Nassau in 1961 (the Netherlands), International Gimbel Award 1962 , Woman of the World in 1965 chosen by the Turkish Women’s Association, Ankara and Vavaliera di Gran Croce in 1966 (Italy)
- United Nation’s Human Rights AwardUnited Nations Prize in the Field of Human RightsThe United Nations Prizes in the Field of Human Rights were instituted by United Nations General Assembly in 1966.They are intended to "honour and commend people and organizations which have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion and protection of the human rights embodied in the...
(1978) - Honorary doctorate in Economics (1967)
- Order of Merit of the Italian RepublicOrder of Merit of the Italian RepublicThe Order of Merit of the Italian Republic was founded as the senior order of knighthood by the second President of the Italian Republic, Luigi Einaudi in 1951...
(1966) - Woman of the World, Turkish Women’s Association (1965)
- Grand Cross of Orange NassauOrder of Orange-NassauThe Order of Orange-Nassau is a military and civil order of the Netherlands which was created on 4 April 1892 by the Queen regent Emma of the Netherlands, acting on behalf of her under-age daughter Queen Wilhelmina. The Order is a chivalry order open to "everyone who have earned special merits for...
(1961) - Nishan-i-ImtiazNishan-i-ImtiazThe Nishan-i-Imtiaz is one of the state organized civil decorations of State of Pakistan. It is the highest honor — along with comparable to optimum award Nishan-e-Pakistan — given to any civilian in Pakistan based on their achievements that caused the world recognition for Pakistan or/ done a...
(1951) - Mother of Pakistan in 1950
- Jane Adam’s Medal in 1950
- Woman of Achievement Medal 1950
Epynomous
- Rana Liaquat Ali Khan Government College of Home EconomicsRana Liaquat Ali Khan Government College of Home EconomicsRana Liaquat Ali Khan Government College of Home Economics is situated at Stadium Road in Gulshan-e-Iqbal in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.The RLAK Government College was founded by Begum Rana Liaquat Ali Khan wife of first Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawab Liaquat Ali Khan.-Vision of Ford...
— The economics research institutes of the Government College UniversityGovernment College UniversityGovernment College University, Lahore is a co-educational public university located on The Mall in Lahore, Pakistan...
established in 1960s for her honor. - Raana Liaquat Model Colony — a settlement in Karachi named after Ra'ana Liaqat Ali Khan.
Awards and honours
- Queen Juliana of the Netherlands conferred on her the Grand Cross of Orange–Nassau.
- Recipient of the International Gimbel Award for service to humanity . (1962)
- United Nations Prize in the Field of Human RightsUnited Nations Prize in the Field of Human RightsThe United Nations Prizes in the Field of Human Rights were instituted by United Nations General Assembly in 1966.They are intended to "honour and commend people and organizations which have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion and protection of the human rights embodied in the...
for her outstanding contribution to the promotion and protection of the human rights embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human RightsUniversal Declaration of Human RightsThe Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a declaration adopted by the United Nations General Assembly . The Declaration arose directly from the experience of the Second World War and represents the first global expression of rights to which all human beings are inherently entitled...
and in other United NationsUnited NationsThe United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
human rights instruments. (1978)