KARACHI, July 28: ‘Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan N.I. -– Biography & Speeches’, a compilation of Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan’s biography and speeches published by the All Pakistan Women’s Association (APWA) in collaboration with SAMA Books was launched at a hotel here on Saturday.

Apart from recording the life and work of one remarkable individual of this country, the book also covers major aspects of the women’s movement in Pakistan. Compiled by APWA President, Laila Haroon Sarfaraz, it includes ‘Dynamo in Silk’, a biography of Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan by Kay Miles (1981) along with a selection of her speeches from February 1949 to June 1979, entitled ‘Challenge and Change’.

Although the chief guest for the occasion, Sumera Malik, Federal Minister for Women’s Development and Youth Affairs, couldn’t attend the function citing security concerns, the event saw the coming together of various admirers of Begum Sahiba.

In her welcome address, Mrs Laila Haroon Sarfaraz, reminding the guests of Begum Ra’ana’s self-less contributions to Pakistan’s society, said that she “began the ripples that created a wave of change by starting a small group of Muslim women’s volunteer corps for nursing and first aid in Delhi and after partition when she faced great resistance, she still continued calling upon more volunteers to help the refugees in drastic need of healthcare.” She was also responsible for forming the first paramilitary women’s forces. Although there were many honours, accolades and titles conferred on her, Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan is known best as the founding life president of APWA.

Speaking of his profound friendship with Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan, Ambassador Jamshed Marker said that she was someone he loved and admired. “When she walked into a room, the place would suddenly light up.” Remarking on a picture in the book, he said that Begum Sahiba and Quaid-i-Millat Liaquat Ali Khan carried much love and admiration for each other. He recalled an incident where with a modest bank balance and no property to his name, the Quaid-i-Millat was depressed to see his claims being settled before those of the poor refugees. “When Begum Liaquat moved out of 10 Victoria Road, she had with her only a couple of suitcases and his personal effects such as his books and the cigarette lighters that he used to collect as a hobby.”

Paying tribute to his late mother, Ra’ana Liaquat’s elder son Ashraf Liaquat said that in the beginning the begums of APWA generated many snide remarks. But very soon ‘APWA Begums’ became a term of endearment. He recalled how after their father’s assassination Begum Liaquat could be compared to a lioness protecting her cubs. She would tell them to be fair to everyone, especially the less fortunate. He recalled an incident about her punctuality when she reached a school where she had to attend a function a day earlier just to figure out the time it took to reach there.

Javed Jabbar in his speech urged the various educational institutions of Pakistan to help translate this book into Urdu and Sindhi. He said Begum Ra’ana recognised the need for NGOs to record and report human injustices and this was long before the founding of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.

In her concluding remarks, Begum Tazeen Faridi said Begum Sahiba was a taskmaster but she knew how to build you up without being too critical. “We came from the same profession – teaching. With her in command, the world became our domain.”

In the end, commemorative shields were presented to the ladies for their contribution to APWA through the years. They included Begum Zubeida Rahimtoola, Begum S. Shafie, Mrs Mani Cowasjee, Begum Tazeen Faridi, Begum Souriya Abbasi, Mrs Mehru Habib, Begum Nahid Habib, Begum Nargis Rahimtoola, Mrs Dolly Irani and Mrs Pat Liaquat.