Its a sad news off course. The english writing ans usage of words and analogies used are very bad in ths article. The writer should read learn from english english or urdu novels beofre wirting an article.

yes these terrorsits of karachi mafia should know who she was.Anyone who has done this should be made accountible.

Karachi has become hostage to heartless animals.

We would have wanted you to tell us her credentials, rather than how emotionally you relate her to your grieved self.

dear Writer, thanks for such a wonderful and sentimentally enriched column for a lady who more than 3 quarters of Pakistan does not know about. title of your text was quite catchy and hence i went thought the length of this para but could not find out who this lady was ?. taking nothing away from the emotions you have showered on her in a para or two, but not only me may be many others are bewildered why did not you added a small port folio of this lady ( may God rest her soul in peace ) !!!. like many other writers and journalists, yet again i got a blank blog.... which boast a lot from the caption but hollow inside. like most of our politicians speaking big mouths doing nothing and you or your league no exception. i do not wish to hurt you, but media people are a nations hope, light house, torch bearers, moral booster, insight readers, pointers who speak themselves for the nation.... can you be kind enough and a brave person to reply with some more information on this lady sans emotions. long live Pakistan. Ali

dear Writer, thanks for such a wonderful and sentimentally enriched column for a lady who more than 3 quarters of Pakistan does not know about. title of your text was quite catchy and hence i went thought the length of this para but could not find out who this lady was ?. taking nothing away from the emotions you have showered on her in a para or two, but not only me may be many others are bewildered why did not you added a small port folio of this lady ( may God rest her soul in peace ) !!!. like many other writers and journalists, yet again i got a blank blog.... which boast a lot from the caption but hollow inside. like most of our politicians speaking big mouths doing nothing and you or your league no exception. i do not wish to hurt you, but media people are a nations hope, light house, torch bearers, moral booster, insight readers, pointers who speak themselves for the nation.... can you be kind enough and a brave person to reply with some more information on this lady sans emotions. long live Pakistan. Ali

I see her with her head uncovered. No wonder she was done in. I did not know such was allowed in Pakistan. Even BB did not stoop so low.

She was no doubt a woman o great nerves but how cruelly by mudering her....has exposed our cruel society

She was no doubt a woman o great nerves but how cruelly by mudering her....has exposed our cruel society

it would help if you share some facts, real stories of her life. May GOD rest her soul and my condolesence to her family.

My limited vocabulary is not helping me to write few words for the great lady she was. I would just say I wish it was me and not her :(

Well said if people could only understand, killing each other for personal or party gains is not the solution to Pakistan problems it further add's fuel to the fire we must learn to live in peace and harmony to see Naya Pakistan.

Self declared civilized, educated,middle class Urdu speaking terrorist of MQM have snatched one more real educated, middle class, real civilized Urdu speaking revolutionary lady and ray of hope in the city of darkness from us.

It looks like there is a mission to kill these few stars left in Pakistan. From Hakim Saeed to Governor Punjab, and from Great Opthmologist from LHR to Zahra Shahid, giving message to the few left that please do not help and leave us in darkness. May Allah Rest Her in Peace.

MQM should be declared a terrorist organization without fail.

That Zahra was an associate of the great Imran Khan, is a sufficient proof for me that she must have been a great woman. Although she is gone, her spirit will live on in the form of PTI; terrorists can kill a person, but not an idea!

I didn't see any such grief by Mehar Khursheed when an ANP candidate was murdered in Karachi. Nor for the 14,000 dead or disappeared Baloch. I suppose they were all children of a lesser God.

Whether the MQM is responsible for this killing or not, what is totally screwed up by the way most Pakistanis think (whether they be educated or not) is how quickly they jump to burning buses, pointing fingers and laying down their own morally inflated death sentences without any process of thought, rationality or fact fact finding. Most of the comments below display this national and cultural deficiency in all of us. We are already more than half way to hell, time to redeem ourselves.

The British government is directly responsible for her death as despite thousands of complaints the Scotland Yard did not move an inch and kept mum as usual. It's an open secret that the British secret service is protecting this terrorist in London because he is confident enough of something to carry on killing for almost three decades. What about the Govt of Pakistan? Why are the reluctant to ask the British authorities about this man and why are they protecting him.

WHAT DID SHE DO? Such Hip hop writers are hired for female face value & have no substance.

@FaQ: Though I don't know much about the Deceased lady, but I can say that it

@Iqbal khan: how you know MQM is responsible and not any banned organization or PTI itself to gain sympathy vote?

@Syed Abbas: What are you talking about? Do you have any feelings at all? What prejudice and crudeness in your thought and prose- I am dumbfounded, really.

Can anyone give me any video of Zahra Shahid's Last video, when and where she spoke to some PTI peoples?

@Tarek Fatah: You sir need a lesson in emotion. Pakistanis like you with your comment on 'what about the others' should go out of your home and do something for the country A great woman has been martyred, show some grief for God's sake. We all feel the pain when we hear about a Pakistani dying. No need to give us a lesson on how to react-teach it to yourself

May Allah Bestows Zahra Hussain a place in Heaven where she belongs. I was stunned by the news that some elements have gone so low that they are killing a lady who is like our mother. Shame on these evil individuals, they should be caught and exposed and nothing less than death penalty if they are found guilty.

@Asif: Yous thoughts are noble and appreciated. God Bless you and continue to stand against injustice at any capacity.

@waseem: He is in London.

@Zabardasst: IK is playing with Taliban.Only he is responsible.

@Tarek Fatah: What a non-sense comment! Is there a contest going on of how many dead we accumulate on each party? One should feel sad for unjustified killing of a human being regardless of the circumstances, race, color, religion, nationality or party affiliation. Some touch your heart more than others, but that does not necessitate writing all sorts of disclaimers before expressing your emotions. If you would rather choose to continue to sleep, at least tell us how many more of these killings (from which party?) will it take for you to wake up and do something about it?

After reading this blog, i still dont know who she was. Its just a pile of words nothing else, it could have been for informative about her achievements or her role in PTI.

Our country is one of the beautiful countries and it has got each and everything but due to the Aristocracy (ruling of few families) every sector, every department, every institution has lost its credibility, as a result, we are facing a lot of problems. we can not bring peace without strong Judicial system, good governance and quality education. Every body, every citizen must come forward to play role to defeat these criminal and corrupt families, who are in no way eligible to rule over us...

This is one of the worst blogs I have read in a long time. This article is not about Zahra. Its about you. You have disrespected a great woman.

@A. Farid: Dear Farid: It is not only Karachi, it is all of Pakistan. Let us not forget the attacks that the Taliban and their affiliates have undertaken against innocent people and our own armed forces and strategic military assets. to combat this terrorism we will need to take a holistic view of the problem. May god rest the soul of Zahra Shahid Husain in peace.

Very well written. She was indeed a great woman. The Murderous Quami Movement folks might have a hard time comprehending well written pieces.

The news of Zara hussain ghastly murder has stunned all of us .May Allah grant her soul eternal peace in jannah.she was respectbale lady .in societyshame on the killer.

it is pity that there is no understanding and forbearance for the different world view

How many more Pakistanis have to sacrifice their souls ? When will justice prevail and culprit are caught ? In all sincerity we overseas lads were very optimistic about the future of Pakistan, but the way innocents are being butchered we are loosing faith. Hat off to the residents of Karachi who stand firm against the tyrants.

Please tell us something about her education, her accomplishments in life, and her political career and agenda.

I was wondering who could be behind this heinous crime and came up with following point. timming: just before election which party would be beneficiary: pti would become victim which party to blame: mqm without proofs imran reaction promptly: ik didnt take a day to decide who to blame imran sympathy/connection with taliban: pti has connection with ruthless, they can carry out this task easily political face less figure: from karachi, read this blog, no body knows what was her role in pti. it looks like without any political loss, pti could bare this cost.

Writer may have given some of her achievements. Even after reading her blog I could not make out who she was?

@Tarek Fatah: Come to Pakistan and help then! When was the last time you help to change this country let alone set foot in it, very easy to critisise behind a computer!

@Tarek Fatah needs some sense in his brain: Just ignore this person ( Tarek Fateh) and his comments. Ask anyone in North America about him and you will get your answer.

Sacrifices of such individuals never go waste ! These people are game changers and I am sure her supreme sacrifice will bring about the desired results . We all have to die one day but she chose to go with her head held high and went for a cause she believed in . May her soul rest in peace and may the planners and perpetrators of this heinous crime rot in hell both in this world and the next .

Yes Karachi has become hostage no doubt, but who is getting all the benefits of this murder !. A question no one will answer even though we all know.......................is it. geya ESTABLISHMENT.

@Mohammad Ataullah: Ataullah its amazing your commented the writer on her looks rather on her piece. Doesn't that make you one of those people u so much despise,

@Chintu: you sir, say you do not know that , who she was or who she is? do you know about you that who are you? kind regard A human.

A person who takes a innocent life , that person do not deserves to live. that's all many thanks regards

here we go again! Our centuries old typical and favorite style of detective work far away from the actual crime scene in our drawing rooms/hospital rooms etc with a single proof and totally based on biased word of mouth. Not saying that MQM is a party of angels, but come on people lets get our act together and work to get our judicial and police system strong, competent and corruption free. Without and competent and reliable judicial and police system we will continue to accuse and acquit wrong people and wrong doers will continue to commit such crime without any fear. and oh yeah, stop counting on Allah to fix anything for us...HE doesnt like us....he hasnt liked us in the past 600 years, so stop fooling ourselves and stop fantasizing. If you want Allah to like you, then start off by having all living things on earth like you first for what you are and what you do!

@Syed Abbas: What a comment. seems u r coming direct from a cave in afghanistan. pls go back. Its about the loss of a valuable life that could make a big positive difference in the lives of so many helpless people yet some prefer to speak of head covering and drawing comparisons between 2 unrelated models..

May the soul of Zahra Shahid Hussain rest in peace!

@Chintu: agree with you chintu. wish mehar could throw some light on her role as politician /person u well said usman

MQM badly needs to change its conduct. They ought to have empathy for other political parties and their workers. They also need to stop considering this city their fief. They talk of 'snatching' of their mandate even before it is decided who has the 'mandate.' . After all, if they have sole rights to 'perpetual 'mandate' why hold elections at all! High-handed tactics never last long. We should all pray that they develop fear of God!

Its such a shame that Tarek Fatah is trying to divide nation again when it has stood against tyranny. Meher Khursheed felt it atleast now that she should stand against this cruelty but Tarek Fatah tell me what he did for 14000 Karachi innocent people when they were murdered. Every revolution starts has years of suppression in its background and then something like Zahra Hussain murder triggers it. I understand that your comment is not worth to be commented upon but it really hurt me a lot.

@Tarek Fatah: you're comparing among all those who lost their lives???? insane or inhumane??? before typing in the wee hours under influence, I ask you to think about their families.

@faheem shah how can u even defend such a crime, u can keep your stupid points and analysis to yourself. A life has been lost and you are trying to put the blame on the same party she belonged to. have some respect man she could have been some1 from your family.

Where does Tarik Fateh come in between this ?.He is fit for only Toronto Sun where he writes against Pakistan and Islam. Just ignore this guy.

@faheem shah: Everybody in Karachi are aware who the killers are. MQM for sure... To Condemn the killing by a party leader is common sense. Altaf was next to condemn why.... That his style... first order then shed crocodile tears...MQM don't hide behind bhata mafia or Taliban... you started all this in Karachi and this time to take revenge of re-polls and stop people coming out to vote...

what is going in Punjab..massive rigging...beating of PTI worker(19/5/13) by PML-N workers with the help of police..but this gonda raj of PMLwhich is going on for the last 20 will not get much space in media..they only target karachi ...because of inner prejudice

The topic suggested i would get some facts and information regarding this lady who people seem to adore. I was expecting some mention of her accomplishments and political/social background. All I got to know was she was tall and gave warm hugs. THis read was a waste.

Very poorly written article

A bigger crime would be to allow the killer to get away with the crime..............and that is exactly what will happen.

@sam1: So true....I had the same opinion after I finished reading the article...what a waste of time

This article/blog was useless. The article heading excited me that the article would contain information about this great lady but all I got was that she was tall and warm. Please refrain from such lousy articles!! at least don't publish them on DAWN!

Isn't this a little over the top considering you only met the lady in question twice?

The article was supposed to provide some facts on achievements of the deceased but all the reader learnt was "She was tall and gave warm hugs".........The writer should not waste the readers time by inappropriate article headings

It was yet another sad news from Pakistan that a political leader was killed in front of her house. There is a history of violence that spans across party lines in Pakistan, but the MQM brand of it specially resonates with the people who live or have lived in Karachi. That being said, one cannot argue that Imran's allegations were premature and reminds us that in the end he is now a politician, and as a politician he will try to capitalize even from the death of his most trusted colleagues and supporters. Unless he has evidence that the rest of the country has not been privileged to, he needs to use his political resources to help the grieving family of Ms. Zehra Hussain. He needs to ask for a speedy investigation and trial. Knowing the law and order situation in Karachi, is it really so inconceivable that she could been a victim of a robbery gone bad in Defense? I admit that it is also conceivable that MQM had a hand in it, but for a person like Imran to come out pointing fingers on day one is only indicative of his desire to use this opportunity to build political capital in Karachi. Pakistanis deserve better, and more importantly the family of Ms. Shahid deserves better. My frustration also roots from Dawn's insistence on wasting people's time by articles as the one above that are a random collection of words without any purpose. I am still scratching my head trying to understand if the author of an article listed on the front page of dawn.com really just filled a few paragraphs with absolutely no information whatsoever. The article is headlined "I would want you to know who Zehra Shahid was". Having read elsewhere that she was the wife of a PAF officer and being a PAF brat myself, you can understand that my interest in what Ms. Khursheed, the author, could tell me. However, she states that unfortunately she couldn't tell us much about her as she had only met her twice and didn't know Ms. Shahid well. She did tell us that she stood tall and exuded love. She tells us that in those two meetings she was able to judge Ms. Shahid's encompassing soul and rank it #5 amongst all the women she has known. Ms. Khursheed, you wish that the killer knew his victim and having read your article, I am not sure he didn't know her better than you do. May I suggest that next time you try and identify friends and family members who knew her well and cite them in your works. It may end up making you sound credible.

@sam1: dear - the write is good piece of literature. It is really touchy. it suggests to value the human life which is so important and precious. every single human being irrespective of his/her accomplishments.

Dear Mehar, thanks for writing the article about my Zahra Khala. She was indeed an outstanding woman. Not only that she had a balanced personality (which is unfortunately very uncommon in Pakistan to find), she was full of enthusiasm and really loved Pakistan. Unfortunately, I only saw her whenever I was in Pakistan or when she was in London and every time we said our good byes, I felt I should have spent more time with her. Her untimely departure is a shock for the family and I really want to thank you for bringing some of the things about her personality in your aerticle. I for one, will miss her forever. Good bye Zahra Khala.

In Karachi Germans are hostage in the hand of Hitler. Where did he lead Germany to?

May Allah protect Begum Zahra Shahid in her grave and provide her with a place in Jannah Al Firdaus. Purely from a perspective of Allah and what He has stated in Quran and what the Holy Prophet (PBUH) told us, one should be careful in pointing fingers at different people. Day of judgement will be very precise and perfect. Some people will be surprised when the 2 angels question him or her immediately in the grave how many people they killed or ordered them to be killed, punishable only by Hell fire as stated by Allah in the Quran. It is unfortunate what is happening in Pakistan, but I wish we look back in history and see how we the Pakistani's have destroyed our own country. It is not the West, India or any other foreign element but us the biggest enemy of Pakistan. I was 9 years old when we lost East Pakistan and that pain in my heart will die when I die. I still cry for that event and whatever is happening to my beautiful country and beautiful people like Begum Zahra Shahid. We as a nation have to go back and understand Islam and the way of life Allah wants us to spend. We should not stop praying because only He knows what is in our best interest. We have all the time to waste on worldly things but not enough time to read, understand and follow the Quran. Allah loves us all and will reward us either in this world or hereafter or both. Pakistan zindabad and may Allah protect all the Pakistanis in particular and Muslims in general.

Zahra Shahid Hussain was a very close family friend. she was very nice and learned women. she was very nice and helpfull towards me, i met her a few years ago in karachi. i am very upset about her death and i am angry at the people who have done this, how can they just kill some innocent person like this? the culprits must be brought to justice and may her seould rest at peace, danial tanvir.

Murderers are free to kill anybody anywhere. Something needs to be done to rid karachi of these murderers and their bosses whoever they are. State must take steps to eliminate the militant wings of political parties to secure peace. People need to reject any political party that has militant wing or uses any sort of force to coerce people. This sort of repression is totally unacceptable. How can a few people hold an entire city hostage.This is real change. People have finally decided to stand up for their rights. All these people are heroes. They have stood up against injustice despite threats and fears from terrorist parties. This demonstrates that there are still good people in Pakistan. Thank you for your struggle. I request that every conscientious person should support this struggle for justice and prove that we are a real nation. Everybody should support justice. Save Karachi from terrorist parties.

Very well written!It is indeed a great loss!! A cowardly act! the killers should be brought to justice!

Mehar thank you so much for your beautiful words. She was my mother and I loved her naturally. But your words make me so proud of her. Thank you. You have captured her essence so well. I love to meet you.

My request to all commentators below , Those who are outside Karachi please don't comment on Karachi Situation, The pity is people who live outside of Karachi don't know the ground realities about what is happening in Karachi

@Syed Abbas: Thank you for pointing out the real problem in pakistan. It is judgmental people with your wonky mindset.

This is very unfortunate. The most important prayer the country needs is to have the killers caught and convicted.

I would feel the same as you do if I had the pleasure of meeting the deceased. However, as a human being, thank God I can still count myself as a normal one, I feel deeply hurt to read about such incidents, taking place almost on a daily basis in the country of my birth. She was only trying to represent people at the public forum, and then she is shot to death. May God help us all. Finally, I avail this opportunity to convey my condolence to the family of the deceased and pray to Allah to bless Zahra Shahid's soul with eternal peace and harmony.

What a waste of life, Those who claimed themselves so called savior of Islam. Shame on yourself, If some body think this is a honorable task. No body can silence some body's voices. Because it is already heard by other.

@faheem shah: Your accusation is baseless and equally as retarded as the tweet Imran Khan tweeted. I respect the man and support PTI's policies, however this tactic of his was a folly on his part. As for Zahra Shahid Husain. She's the president of Sindh part of PTI. So she's one of the key members in PTI. She was and is a founding member of PTI. There's a certain political party which is known to murder its dissidents when they decide to forego their political ideology. I hate pointing fingers at people, but lets not forget the party, whose leaders left, and were mysteriously assassinated after not agreeing with a particular party leader. PTI has nothing to gain out of death. I have a strong hunch, Imran Khan, as always acted in an honest, full of feeling way, said what was in his head, which politically for PTI, is very stupid, other parties have been playing the mudslinging and dirty politics much longer. Every single speech Altaf Hussain sends to his fascist cult is said in a way to strengthen himself politically, he has no interest in the pawns he controls. If he had any interest in his pawns, he'd at least sit in a container in 90, with the rest of his minions. It'd be best for PTI, to refrain from letting their emotions get the best of them, the other parties have been playing the mudslinging game a lot longer. They have driven many straight-laced politicians to their death and/or to corruption playing this game.

@sam1: Yes, I am also curious to know more of this seemingly fine lady, whose life was extinguished by some heartless souls.

@sona: people where suporting MQM due to it's struggle of right for every one and against class divisions, but now I think it's time to choose a new leader, its better if MQM will do it by itself otherwise people will do it. silence on murder is not an answer!!!!

The writer also seems to be writing a facebook update than an article in Dawn. There must really be a shortage of writers for the quality to drop so low!

Beautifully written! Im sure she was as great as mentioned here. May Allah reward her with heaven, and bless us with more people like her.

so much respect for her .

classic words. so much love and respect for her. Allah please bless her and give her special place in heaven.

@faheem shah: Shame on you. You seem to be the true face of MQM.

From looking at her picture I can say here is a supremely confident woman of power and intellect completely at ease with herself and her surrounding. I wonder why Imran did not bring her before the world audience more often as the voice of PTI instead of himself.

@Syed Abbas: shame on people like you. what planet do you live in? its people like you who have destroyed our beautiful country.

I did not know her. But your words humbled me and for some reason miss her. I do not have the words. A loss that cannot be articulated. Words do no justice, and still justice has not been served. Worse still, I doubt it will be. The most wretched corner of hell awaits her killer. I hope the people of Karachi can find some peace some day. Allah is the best Avenger and the perfect Deliverer of justice. I will raise my hands to ask Him. I hope Allah gives you peace as well.

I started reading this article hoping to learn something about the lady.Sadly despite all the fancy language I know nothing about her.Its like I've been groping in the dark trying to get some where. Fewer words with a little real sunstance would have made sense.

I started reading this article hoping to learn something about the lady.Sadly despite all the fancy language I know nothing about her.Its like I've been groping in the dark trying to get some where. Fewer words with a little real sunstance would have made sense.

I think MQM not only needs a new leader if whole of Karachi is not going to burn in an inferno unless they do something about it. He might have had some redeeming quality in the past but unfortunately now he is sick alcoholic and most of the time exhibits the symptom of a seriously sick person. He need psychological and professional treatment for his illness ..Please understand me it has nothing to do with politics. If he doesn't treatment soon or die soon by natural death he could be a disaster for people of Karachi. First he inflames the workers to beat his party leaders then he apologizes for rough treatment. He wants Karachi separated and next day doesn't even remember what he said the night before. Sick people never admit they are sick but others have to help them.

@roma ahmed: yes all words & zero information.

Very disappointed that even though you admired the lady you were so lazy you couldn't pick up the phone and talk to a family member, a party worker or even a colleague who could shed a light on her personality. I am sure that was too much to ask even for Dawn. I hope you have some professional integrity next time and do just to the newspaper whom you represent. This article is no better then a five year old I love mummy she is tall and strong and give a great hug? You showed lack of respect for Ms. Hussain and no PTI person had decency to penn two sentences about her.

@Shuu: If calling a spade a spade is 'retarded' and 'stupid', then be it. I think IK has done the right thing. Everyone in Karachi knows who all intimidate their political opponents with guns. It is not rocket science to figure that out. What happened to Hakim Saeed? Any guess? An innocent women got killed after a clear and open threat and no one is held accountable. What a shame.

A million dollar question for the key stakeholder: How long a foreign national will be allowed to keep Karachi hostage?

@Tarek Fatah: Do the grieving yourself instead of blaming others...

The rogues kill the braves, so that they can make others crawl.

Mehar what have you written to introduce the deceased lady except that you can write English language. I hold Dawn responsible for publishing this meaningless article perhaps to fill the space available. I am sorry I could never imagine that Dawn the most balanced paper of this country will, to introduce its staffer, compromise its lofty image.

@Tarek Fatah: What a loser you are :) A "normal human" can't care more or less for any innocent victim? But you were just hungry for a spotlight! #Pity

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajeoon. May Allah grant her a good place in the afterlife enshallah. As for her killers, may God grant them misery and unease throughout their remaining lives till they sincerely repent!

A poorly written article with no knowledge of the subject person. It seems Dawn is running short of good writers.

Shame on the people responsible for assassinating such lady... She was bravo and brilliant.... My heart cries to hear this sad news.

I don't understand why MQM would kill her? What they would gain out of this? Its pretty absurd by PTI to blame MQM.

By the name of the article i started to read to get some information about how and what were the acheivements of this lady were. But i dint find any thing that has been added to my information. I havent found it fruitfull at all.

Dear writer. this article is so full of adjectives that it doesn't even mean anything. It, hardly, contains any facts to emphasise the greatness of the deceased. I am sorry, but, well, one should speak truth.

Very well articulated. Enjoyed readings the threading of the words with their powerful meanings. My compliments Err.. Didn't know, in fact never heard of the lady until... I am sure she is in a better place

Massive rigging happened all over Pakistan but Karachi is singled out,except for DHA Lahore nobody came out to protest and tSunami khan to hide this shame single out Karachi. PTI workers were killed in pindi in front of Hanif Abbasi office and workers attacked in lahore by PML N but Tsunami Khan was silent. When Tsunami khan was captain of Pakistan team he was extremely biased against Karachi players and fans and beats them also anybody can check these facts. How Imran khan know MQM killed his party worker? What is the guarantee that his party himself killed the lady to gain sympathy vote and divert the attention from Punjab where all is hunky dory between him and PML N. Isnt it possible that she be killed by a secratarian outfit or taliban with whom Imran is sharing the government in KPK. Zahra was sidelined for the last 3 months due to arif alvi ticket allotment. We have enough of Imran khan he is showing his true biasness towards Karachi. He never speaked against Taliban because they belong to the same area he belong. Shame on Imran khan.

A very sad and unfortunate incident indeed...May her soul rest in peace and may the killers face justice....what is puzzling however, is that I had never heard of her before this incident....during PTI's election campaign, she was not visible on the media....it would have helped had the author shed some light on her role within PTI

@Tarek Fatah The land of the pure died in 1971. There is no coming back. As for the Lady, oh I am sure she Is in a better place. As for the killing, so... What else is new? You did write a good book

I hope the truth prevails and the real culprits get caught. This could be a move from a third party to create more rift in Karachi.

Mehar , Zarah was this and much more. In the 30 odd years I knew her she was someone who simultaneously gave affection and challenged your intellect. The person who ordered the assassination and the one who fired the bullet both must know that they cannot stop the change we feel within

@Khan: What sympathy vote? Voting finished on may 11. Only 1 constituency remained. Even MQM will be hard pressed to murder their own leader just for a single seat.

"Pretentious hippie. Panda-phile. Promoter of hobo chic." This completely describes the writer.

I cried reading this blog. Its as if though you knew how I felt about her. May she rest in peace the world has lost a wonderful soul who had so much to give to us all. I would like to request everyone reading this to stop judging the info and comments and just read Fatiha for Mrs. Hussain thats all that counts in the end.

So don't know who she was. And what exactly was this article about?

IK is Pakistan's last hope.Zahra Sahid embodied all that is best in PTI. We must all help IK build a better Pakistan. So Pakistanis are respected wherever they go.

IK is Pakistan's last hope.Zahra Sahid embodied all that is best in PTI. We must all help IK build a better Pakistan. So Pakistanis are respected wherever they go.

@Khan: If we accept whatever you're saying for just one second and assume IK was like that at the time of his tenure as Pak's captain then just answer this question of mine: If MNS can get mature in 8 years then why can't IK in 17 years? It's so easy to judge and criticize someone on their past, trust me. It needs some courage to accept the facts and ponder on them. God bless you! -Not a fan of Khan.

Tarek Fateh is a darling of the anti-Muslim, Islamophobes in Canada. What better way to advance their hate than to have someone from Pakistan spew hate. He feeds his audience with fears about Muslim hordes wanting to establish sharia law and a caliphate in the world. How many of the 1.6 billion Muslims does he think want to do that? Evangelists like Pat Robertson and Pastor Haggi want to establish Jesus's kingdom all over the world; do we extrapolate that to apply to the entire Christian world. He will never speak out against the atrocities being committed against the Palestinians for 65 years and counting. I guess he knows his claim to fame will be over the day he does that.

There are so many who are dying every day in your country. Don't you think they are good people also? You don't have to care who did it, till you do something they don't like and then they come after you..enjoy till then!

What happned was the wish of GOD. No other comments!

Hi My name is Wakas. This post was absolute waste of storage bytes plus our time.

@Shana: Pakistan can't be helped. It was founded on a false premise..Get over it/

If polling possible for 43 constituencies then why not the whole constituencies. There might be something hidden subject which we don't know. After the polling the counting should be immediately processed otherwise chances are widen for rigging or replacing of ballot boxes that has not been taken into notices by the Election Commission of Pakistan. Now how one can assure that the ballot boxes of other polling stations are being untouched and out of rigging. This election was not free and fair it was a selection that was programmed by the Super Power for their self interests.

Still dont know who the brave lady was ??? and what this article about ??? Instead of repeating question that what should i tell you who she was, you should have told us something about her.

I wish I knew her more, A Brave Women nevertheless ! ! !

@Salman: MQM already gained what they wanted to and that is fear of them.... had they so politically matured to assess the outcome of this murder, they would not have done so many.

I appreciate the author gesture on how she describes her character but it does not tell us who she was? An astitute politician/business woman/etc

@khurram: Paid journalist? MQM is discipline party

@Wakas: Your opinion is important, but mentioning "My name is Wakas" merely adds to the waste of storage bytes.

@Khan: I will say you are shameless individual People like you are responsible for innocent people killed. Sham on you and your parents

@Khan: Because I am a Muhajir I have not had enough of Imran Khan. The people who control by the gun have persecuted Muhajirs, abuse Pakistan but don't mind living off what this country provides them. Without Pakistan there would be no free trips to London

@Salman: They threatened violence and they carried out their threat. Whenever they throw a tantrum people get killed by them.

I did not know her and I still don't know her. Who was she? Wrong title!

@Salman: Also Muttahida Qaatil Movement

This reminds me the evening Hakim Muhammad Saeed was killed. These loosers have no idea what they are doing

Still don't know who she was, what she did, what she accomplished. I would like to know for sure. But this article is just a waste of time leave you with no information. It only has emotion from a person who met her twice. For sure, not enough to know her as person.

Mehar, the title of this article was so great but then you didn't tell much about her I know her now more than you do by reading and without meeting her Why didn't you mention PTI without Imran we would never know who she was, No doubt I have been crying without knowing her.

Article incomplete.

What a personality has been killed. How many more adjectives can be used for her itself speak aloud of her prominence? Who killed and why is a baffling question and needs an answer? Leaving apart that she was a political leader for Tehreek e Insaf she was leader and mentor otherwise too and had to live longer to enlighten us on the whole. Not many are born alike. Alas! she has been snatched away. I wish she live is paradise now, aameen. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Kuwait / Mobile 00965-66229897 / iqbalhadizaidi.formerdiplomat@hotmail.com

Writer got carried away by her emotions. I still dont know who she was!

I wonder why this qualifies as an author description at Dawn group ... I mean seriously !! > Pretentious hippie. Panda-phile. Promoter of hobo chic.

@Ap: Pakistan was founded on the purest of principles and the name of Allah but I doubt you will be able to understand any of this!

Isn't shame no one has been caught for her murder. Law is corrupt. Majority of Pakistani are corrupt. Land of animal and begarats. unless you take care of corrupt and terror groups of these corrupt parties. innocent peoples will keep paying the price with their life. Shame on you nation of corrupt

@Amir Cheema: Qeema, why dont u start fom Punjab. All BUTT, CHODREE's, KHAWAJA, MALIKS, Cheemas dont have right to put baseless comments

@Iqbal khan: great, along with Taliban & their supporting parties PML -N & PTI.

@Watch it now: Don't Label a whole nation (one of the strongest in the world BTW) as corrupt / animals. The hardships that this nation has suffered / is suffering will make it stronger. 90% of the people are in Pakistan are innocent and will overthrow those who are responsible for their sufferings In sha Allah. Pakistan will rise Soon In sha Allah.

But what actually were her contributions? Lots of praise words, but nothing substantial. Enlighten us about her contributions. In now way doubting her greatness, but nothing is told about her achievements either. If you knew her well, tell us some facts. May she rest in peace. Aamin.

Yes, still don't know who she was.

@ Mehar Khursheed ...what is the use of this blog????.....

@Watch it now: I don't agree with your comment regarding the majority of Pakistanis are corrupt. The country has been and continuing its efforts to come out of the clutches of corrupt leaders. Could not you see how many people came out to give vote. Don't you think this is another proof that they are a peace loving nation they want change in a peaceful manner This is my strong belief when so many people are having such a strong determination for a better Pakistan the country would definitely become an ideal place for its people and then those making comments from abroad would wish they had not left it!

The introduction of Zahra Shahid Hussain is not complete unless you tell us whose daughter and whose wife or mother she was. There are sever Shahid Hussain's I know but I am away for Pakistan and cannot place her properly. One assumption is that she was the daughter of Khawaaja Shahid Hussain of PTV in 70's and thus granddaughter of khawaja Manzoor Hussain, the famous educationist (Aligarh and later Government College, Lahore). Then there was a Shihid Hussain who acted as Economic Adviser to Benazir in first government.

This is a voice against terrorism that prevails in Karachi. Who is responsible for this is known to all of us but we are helpless and impotent. I am glad you raised voice against it. The introduction of Zahra Shahid Hussain is not complete unless you tell us whose daughter and whose wife or mother she was. There are sever Shahid Hussain's I know but I am away for Pakistan and cannot place her properly. One assumption is that she was the daughter of Khawaaja Shahid Hussain of PTV in 70's and thus granddaughter of khawaja Manzoor Hussain, the famous educationist (Aligarh and later Government College, Lahore). Then there was a Shihid Hussain who acted as Economic Adviser to Benazir in first government.

VOW, how well you have described Zahar Shahid, every word has touched my soul with tears dropping down my cheeks, emotions I only felt once before when my father died. May Allah give her soul peace in his kingdom of heaven, Amen.

Your last sentence was as senseless and rude and ill thought of. We are Pakistanis and I believe Muslims, Christians, HIndus and Sikhs brothers and sisters of Pakistan are as much Pakistanis as anyone else. Please stop this religious divide. We don't need it.

@shahid: Mehar has written something about a symbol and not about a person. Zehra Shahid has become a beacon for all loves of democratic values; a knight of the warriors agains terrorism and a Sultan of martyrs. She created an effect that has been done by her likes in Karbala. Mehar has written that few people can write: Pathos creating challenge. The treatise does not bring tears of sorrow; it brings channelized anger. Hats off to the writer. I have seldom read such literature. Brief and incisive.

I didn't know her but am appalled at the violent subjugation of women across the continent-- be it in the death of Zahra Shahid, the attack on Malala or the rape of Nirbhaya in Delhi and the subsequent child molestations that have surfaced like gaping wounds oozing all that is sick decadent and despicable in the sub continent. My condolences. We in Lucknow across the border mourn her too!