Tazeen Akhtar
Pakistani women have proved always that are second to none in the world whatever field they are tested including education, culture, literature, art, science, technology, defense and politics. Pakistan came into existence thanks to a political movement in which women were taking active part playing their central role in liberating the sub continent from the slavery of the British. Ms Fatima Jinnah , Begam Ra,na Liaqat Ali Khan, Begam Feroz khan Noon and many other women offered sacrifices in the struggle against the British rule. Begam Najmah Hameed was the torch bearer of the same highly esteemed women politicians of Pakistan movement.
Later in the history, Ms Benazir Bhutto became the first woman Prime Minister in the whole Muslim World. Begam Kulsum Nawaz led the movement against the illegal dictatorship of General Musharraf and saved Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif from the jaws of the death penalty that General Musharraf was bent upon awarding them in so call hijacking case. When a house wife Begam Kulsum Nawas put her step out of home to start a hard struggle against a powerful authoritarian ruler, she was supported by two women in Rawalpindi who were Begam Tahirah Aurangzeb and Begam Najmah Hameed , the brave sisters of our national political history.
We are witness to what was the situation on ground when Sharif brothers were imprisoned in Attock Jail and no one was daring stand with Begam Kulsum Nawaz from the mainstream leadership of PMLN. This party was mostly known as the government party since 1985. Therefore a strong opposition movement was not expected from this party to save its leader. But Begam Najmah Hameed and her sister Begam Tahirah Aurangzeb proved this myth as underestimated misunderstanding of the then military regime.
We are witness that the momentum these 3 ladies made bewildered the military junta and finally General Musharraf had to give in before the movement becomes a storm for him. It was never seen in the history of Muslim League that three women without any power and support took stand against the dictator and paved the way for the restoration of democracy.
Begum Najmah Hameed nurtured the Muslim League with her own blood, she fully supported the leadership of the League even under the oppression of the dictatorship, loyalty remained her specialty and identity. It was the misfortune of the Muslim League that the self-interested people always benefited while the sincere workers were ignored. Begum Najmah Hameed was a true lover of the Prophet and a lover of virtue.
She earned a unique name for himself in politics, she served twice as a member of the Senate representing the Muslim League , her death is a great loss to the country and the nation. We will keep her candle lit. May Allah raise her ranks. The void created by her death can never be filled. Living in the political field with great determination and courage, she fought immensely against the survival of democracy. Begum Najmah Hameed has done a lot of work for the cause of Kashmir as well as public health.
Begum Najma Hameed promoted positive traditions in politics, never compromised on principles, supported Muslim League and its leaders like a loyal political activist, never feared oppression and tyranny, protected women’s rights. She also performed her role in a good way. Beyond political affiliation, she kept serving the people as her motto. This is the reason why she was respected in all walks of life. She was a dignified, elegant, amiable and well-mannered woman, her political and social services will be remembered forever.
