Journalistic icon Zubeida Mustafa passes away at 84, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking reporting and unwavering commitment to truth
Zubeida Mustafa, a trailblazing Pakistani journalist, passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind a profound impact on journalism, women journalists, and social issues in Pakistan. Born in 1941 in British India, Mustafa moved to Pakistan after independence and embarked on a career that would reshape the editorial landscape of the nation.
Mustafa completed her BA and MA in International Relations at the University of Karachi and further studied at the London School of Economics on a Commonwealth scholarship. In 1975, she joined Dawn newspaper, becoming the first woman to hold a senior editorial position at a major Pakistani newspaper. This marked a breakthrough moment for women in Pakistani mainstream media.
Over a career spanning more than three decades at Dawn, Mustafa reshaped the editorial landscape with a focus on education, health, and social justice issues. She was widely recognized not only as a journalist but as an institution and a pioneer who broke gender barriers in a predominantly male field.
Mustafa was a pioneer for women journalists, opening doors and inspiring generations of women to pursue journalism in Pakistan. Her work was deeply rooted in writing from the perspective of ordinary people, emphasizing accessible, public-minded journalism. She extensively covered social issues such as education, health, and the empowerment of marginalized communities, demonstrating deep empathy and commitment to social justice.
By becoming the first female senior editor in Pakistan’s top newspaper, Mustafa set a powerful precedent that challenged gender norms in media professions. Her success and leadership provided a model for women journalists to enter and excel in mainstream media, encouraging more inclusive newsrooms. Through her focus on social justice, health, and education coverage, she brought neglected issues into public discourse, pushing for awareness and policy change.
Mustafa’s career exemplified how journalism can serve as a tool for empowerment and societal improvement, especially for underrepresented groups, including women. Editors and colleagues credited her editorial values with shaping modern journalistic standards in Pakistan, particularly under the mentorship of Dawn editor Ahmad Ali Khan.
In her final years, Mustafa continued to write on education, population, and gender justice, even after retiring from Dawn in 2008 due to health reasons. Dawn later established the Zubeida Mustafa Award for Journalistic Excellence in her honor.
The Karachi Press Club described Mustafa as an institution, while the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan described her as a champion of social, cultural, and language rights. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan also noted that Zubeida Mustafa was a comrade-in-arms and stood by the disadvantaged and the oppressed.
Mustafa's guiding ethos was rooted in writing from the people's perspective, a philosophy that resonated with her readers and colleagues alike. In 2012, she became the first Pakistani journalist to receive the International Women's Media Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award.
As the news of Mustafa's passing spread, media and civil society mourned the loss of a trailblazer. Her work will continue to inspire generations of journalists and advocates, ensuring her legacy lives on.
Upon completing her education in International Relations, Zubeida Mustafa used her platform at Dawn newspaper to focus on education, health, and social justice issues, fostering empathy and commitment to these causes through her accessible, public-minded journalism. Her pioneering work in breaking gender barriers inspired generations of women to pursue journalism, and her tenure as the first female senior editor in Pakistan's top newspaper served as a powerful precedent for women in media. Alongside her journalistic achievements, Mustafa's dedication to education continued even after retirement, receiving the International Women's Media Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. Her legacy will continue to inspire through her remarkable impact on journalism, women's empowerment, and social issues in Pakistan.
