Zubeida Mustafa, a pioneering figure in Pakistani journalism and a champion of social justice, passed away on Wednesday in Karachi at the age of 84, her family confirmed. She had been unwell for some time and had stepped back from writing earlier this year.
Widely recognised for breaking gender barriers in a male-dominated profession, Mustafa joined Dawn in 1975 and became the first woman to hold a senior editorial position at a major Pakistani newspaper. Her tenure at Dawn, which spanned over three decades until her retirement in 2008, was marked by bold editorial choices, principled writing, and an unwavering commitment to public interest journalism.
Her work consistently focused on education, health, gender justice, and marginalised communities. In a profession often swayed by sensationalism, Mustafa stood out for her depth, empathy, and refusal to compromise on integrity.
“She was not just a journalist; she was an institution,” the Karachi Press Club said in a statement, calling her an “icon of ethical reporting” whose legacy would inspire generations of journalists.
Born in 1941 in India, Zubeida Mustafa moved to Pakistan at a young age. She studied International Relations at the University of Karachi and later attended the London School of Economics briefly on a Commonwealth scholarship. Before her journalism career, she worked as a research officer at the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs.
Zubeida Mustafa continued to write well after her retirement, penning op-eds for Dawn on education and social policy. Her final piece appeared in March 2025, after which she ceased writing due to deteriorating health.
Her contributions were recognised both nationally and internationally. In 2012, she became the first Pakistani woman to receive the International Women’s Media Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. She was also honoured with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan. In her honour, Dawn established the Zubeida Mustafa Award for Journalistic Excellence.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan paid tribute to her legacy, saying she “championed social, cultural and language rights like few.” Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also expressed sorrow, calling her an “excellent journalist” whose services would always be remembered.
Zubeida Mustafa is survived by her family and a vast community of admirers who will remember her as a voice of reason, compassion, and truth in Pakistan’s public discourse.