On this day 22 years ago (Jan 16), we lost Begum Viqarunnisa Noon, who was a symbol of resilience and played an effective and leading role in the Pakistan movement. Born in Austria as a Christian, she converted to Islam when she got married to Sir Feroz Khan Noon, Pakistan’s seventh prime minister.

Begum Noon was one of the leading women who were part of the struggle that led to the creation of Pakistan. She was ranked among very few people who were greatly respected in both wings of Pakistan for her selfless social services to the people.

This may surprise many, but Begum Noon should always be remembered for her dynamic role in the accession of Gwadar to Pakistan from Oman by effectively lobbying in London in 1956 against India which resulted in approval by the British House of Lords in Pakistan’s favour.

Begum Noon was also actively involved in managing the refugee crisis right after independence involving facilitation of people coming in to the promised land.

She was and will be remembered for her dedication and commitment to girls’ education. Viqarunnisa Noon girls schools in Rawalpindi and Dhaka (now Bangladesh’s capital) were established owing to her efforts. After the death of Feroz Khan Noon, she continued her social services and was involved with the Pakistan Red Crescent Society and the National Crafts Council of Pakistan.

President Ziaul Haq had appointed her chairman of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), a role which she executed for a while before retiring to her home in Abbottabad. She passed away on Jan 16, 2000, after a prolonged illness.

She will remain an inspiration for Pakistani women and be remembered for her devotion and services to Pakistan.

Jawaid Mannan
Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2022