‘First Lady of Pakistan’ brings Indo-Pak authors together

Divya Sharma

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 24

Coming together at the time of strained relationship between India and Pakistan, authors of the book — The Begum: A Portrait of Raana Liaquat Ali Khan — held a discussion on her at Majha House on Saturday.

Authors Deepa Agarwal and Tahmina Aziz Ayub held the discussion, moderated by Kirat Sandhu Cheema and Bani Gill. The discussion threw light on the life of Raana Liaquat Ali Khan, who was born in Almora, Uttarkhand, and her contribution to Pakistan.

She was married to the first Prime Minister of Pakistan, Liaquat Ali Khan, also known as the First Lady of Pakistan. The authors highlighted their experience while penning down the book and also advocated peace between both the countries.

“Our culture connects us. There are so many things. Currently, one cannot predict what will happen in future. The media must avoid spreading hate unnecessarily,” said Tahmina Aziz Ayub.

“The broader view of humanity has to be considered. There should be peace,” said Deepa.

The panel deliberated upon Khan’s progressive vision, her role in empowering women, her political influence and activities for women's rights, freedom, education and independence in Pakistan.

Tracing back Raana Liaquat Ali Khan’s roots in Almora, Deepa Agarwal said, “I belong to Almora. My family had a distant connection with her family. Hence, I heard stories of her. I want people to know her."

Deepa also came up with a short presentation on the life of the lady, showcasing her early life, her relationship with her parents among her other achievements.

The two writers discussed her relationship with her husband Liyaqat Ali Khan. She was a philanthropist who worked tirelessly for the emancipation of women in Pakistan, fighting for their right to education. She fought against the practice of the 'burqa' and triple talaq.

“There is so much I discovered about her in the course of the book. She is someone who empowered the women of my country. She worked tirelessly to help refugees at the time of the Partition. She stood against the triple talaq system," Tahmina added.