LAHORE: The Faiz Foundation Trust has planned a ceremony to celebrate 100th birthday of Alys Faiz (1914-2014), dedicated human rights activist, journalist and poet, who devoted her life to women empowerment, children’s rights, peace, justice, freedom and service to humanity.

Besides being the ‘other half’ of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, she was a proud founder member of the Democratic Women’s Association, Peace Committee of Pakistan, Women’s Action Forum and Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. She also served at Unicef and in the editorial staff of The Pakistan Times.

According to a press release, the tribute to Alys Faiz is scheduled for Sept 20 at 4:30pm at the auditorium of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, 107-Tipu Block, New Garden Town.

Speakers will include Salima Hashmi, I.A. Rehman, Asma Jahangir, Mira Hashmi, Adeel Hashmi, Dr Ali Hashmi and Indian scholar Farah Noor.

The ceremony will include an exhibition of Alys’ personal belongings and photographs. A video on her life, struggle and achievements will also be screened. The ceremony is open to all.

Published in Dawn, September 13th, 2014