The tenth death anniversary of Begum Kulsum Saifullah Khan, a distinguished businesswoman, eminent philanthropist and revered politician, will be observed tomorrow (Sunday). A commemorative gathering is scheduled to take place at the residence of her son, Salim Saifullah Khan, where family members and well-wishers will pay tribute to Pakistan’s first woman Federal Minister who held the portfolio of Commerce and Population Welfare in 1988. 

Among the attendees will be her elder son, former Federal Minister Anwar Saifullah Khan, who will join others in offering prayers for her departed soul. Born in 1924 in Karak District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Begum Kulsum Saifullah belonged to a prominent family. She was the sister of Aslam Khan Khattak, a former Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; General (Retired) Habibullah Khan; and Yousaf Khan Khattak, a notable activist of the Pakistan Movement.

Begum Kulsum Saifullah actively participated in Pakistan's politics, serving as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) three times and as a Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa twice.In recognition of her exceptional contributions to politics and commerce, she was awarded the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Crescent of Distinction) by the late President General Pervez Musharraf in 2008.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)