Several people in Pakistan have left an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural, literary, and journalistic landscape. One who comes to mind is Zaib-un-Nissa Hamidullah. Her life serves as an inspiration to anyone who appreciates the written word and a relentless pursuit of truth. This article delves into the life and achievements of Hamidullah, focusing on her extraordinary journey as Pakistan’s first female editor as well as her role in catalyzing feminism in her homeland.

Early Life & Background

She was born in 1918 in Kolkata, India, to S. Wajid Ali and his wife, who raised her in an environment that nurtured intellectual curiosity. She developed an insatiable hunger for knowledge, literature, and writing in this nurturing space. Creativity was in her blood, inherited from her father and uncle, Amjad Ali, a renowned writer; her father translated Allama Iqbal’s works into Bengali. At only 15, she published a poem in The Star of India, which went on to win a poetry competition sponsored by the Daily Mirror. In 1940, Hamidullah married Khalifa Muhammad Hamidullah from a prominent Punjabi family and relocated to Punjab. Having grown up in an Anglo-Indian home, Hamidullah struggled to adjust to her husband’s Punjabi lifestyle. 

Literary Trailblazer

Though she started writing at a young age, Zaib-un-Nissa Hamidullah became prominent after her marriage in 1940, marking the inception of a lifetime committed to writing and journalism. She contributed stories and poems to literary magazines and published poetry collections entitled The Indian Bouquet and Lotus Leaves. Before the partition of India and Pakistan, she became the first Muslim woman to write for the renowned Illustrated Weekly of India. Subsequently, she became a regular contributor. By 1936, Zaib-un-Nissa Hamidullah had come into the limelight as a prominent figure in the literary space. 

In 1945, she interviewed Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who was introduced to her by his sister, Fatima Jinnah, during a visit to Simla with her husband. The interview highlighted her skills as a journalist and catapulted her to national fame. 

After the partition, she continued her writing journey with a weekly column, Through a Woman’s Eyes, published in Dawn. Remarkably progressive for her time, she became known as an outspoken and bold writer who didn’t hold back when talking about women’s issues in varying restrictive environments. In 1951, an editor at Dawn asked her to focus on cooking and child-rearing, topics he considered better suited to her position and editorial voice. Her response was to quit Dawn altogether.  

A Beacon of Change

Arguably, one of her greatest accomplishments was the establishment of The Mirror, Pakistan’s first English magazine. This publication was groundbreaking, as it aimed to showcase the nation’s diverse and evolving cultural landscape. Zaib-un-Nissa’s editorial vision was to reflect the intricacies of society, celebrating its multiculturalism, diversity, and literary depth.

Freedom of Expression

Zaib-un-Nissa Hamidullah’s journey was not without its tribulations. Her indomitable spirit became apparent when The Mirror published content that challenged certain governing principles. At a time when freedom of expression faced significant challenges, she chose to stand up for her beliefs. This principled stance led to a legal battle, symbolizing her unwavering commitment to truth and transparency. The Mirror was banned from publishing; However, it was re-established several months after she won the case, represented by the famous lawyer A.K. Brohi. 

A Feminist Icon

Zaib-un-Nissa was not just a literary and journalistic pioneer; she was also a staunch advocate for women’s rights. She became the country’s first female editor and publisher, breaking the glass ceiling undeterredly. Zaib-un-Nissa’s voice became a beacon for many women who aspired to make their mark in the literary world. Her work was more than just prose and poetry; it ignited a movement.

Legacy

Some interesting facts about her life include: 

• She was a founding member of the Pakistan’s Working Women’s Association. 
• Her friends included Begum Rana Liaqat Ali Khan, Hakim Saeed, Ardeshir Cowasji, Syed Hashim Raza, and Shaista Ikramullah.
• She was the first president of the Women’s International Club in Karachi.
• She represented the Pakistan delegation to Cairo in 1955 and was the first woman to speak at Al-Azhar University. Her speech ignited controversy when she highlighted the conflict in Kashmir in the presence of international dignitaries.
• Her travelogue, Sixty Days in America, was published in 1956. It was about her visit to the U.S. as part of the World Leadership Program. During her stay there, Zebunnissa became friends with Marilyn Monroe and also appeared on the famous Ed Sullivan Show.
• Zaibunnisa Street in Karachi was named after her.

Begum Hamidullah, a prominent Pakistani journalist, died on 10 September 2000 due to pulmonary water inhalation. Despite her detractors, she was praised for her courage, character, and pioneering role in Pakistani journalism. She was a trailblazer in Pakistani journalism and literature, breaking through the glass barrier with her English-language writing. Her book, The Young Wife and Other Stories examined Pakistani women’s lives and greatly inspired young writers.

Dawn’s eulogy her sums her up best:  “Even though The Mirror was a socialite magazine, it often created ripples with its strong political editorials that were critical of the policies and actions of the rulers of the day in a language and style that at times earned her the wrath of those in power.” 

Her life was a tapestry woven with threads of art, resilience, and unyielding commitment, and for this, she will always be remembered.