Srinagar ~ Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra, a distinguished educationist, scholar, public intellectual, and one of the finest custodians of Urdu in the subcontinent, passed away in Lahore on Monday. She was 88.

In a statement, her family said,“With aching hearts, we share that our beloved Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra-Lahore's proud daughter, our dearest aunt/sister, and a beacon of intellect, grace and love-has returned to her Creator.” Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, November 11, at Jamia Masjid Askari, Gulberg, followed by burial at her family graveyard in Cavalry Ground.

Condolences began pouring in, with many saying her departure marks the 'end of an era defined by wisdom, dignity, and grace'. Celebrities, academics, and admirers remembered her for her intellect and mentorship, calling her an enduring symbol of scholarship and moral courage.

A scholar of Urdu language and literature, Dr Zehra specialised in intellectual history and South Asian social thought. Her work explored the intersections of history, gender, and power, often challenging patriarchal and social hierarchies. A familiar voice in televised debates and literary forums, she combined academic depth with clarity of expression - making complex ideas accessible to public audiences.

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