Fariha Razak

Fariha Razak Haroon (15 November 1956 – 1 February 2018) was a Pakistani politician and journalist who was a member of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh from 2002 to 2007. She became the first Pakistani writer to be recognised by the International Federation of Journalists. Her writing also earned her and Pakistan for the first time the prized European Commission's "Lorenzo Natali Prize for Journalism" in 2000.

Early life and education Fariha Razak Haroon was the daughter of an eminent civil engineer Abdul Razaq, who worked as a Chief Engineering Advisor to the Saudi Royal Air Force, after retirement as an Engineer in Chief Directorate of the Pakistan Army. He later went on to serve in politics and assisted Benazir Bhutto during her tenure as a Prime Minister.

Fariha completed her schooling from Convent of Jesus and Mary, Murree, as a high performing student she excelled in studies, as well as sports. She was captain of the volleyball team and was also presented with a lifetime achievement award by the school for being an outstanding student and in recognition of her accomplishments.

Her career as a writer won her various accolades as a journalist and human rights activist. Over a span of 30 years, she wrote more than 1,000 articles for national and international publications.

As a member of the assembly, she took up significant social and human rights causes to support, specifically: Karo Kari, domestic violence, runaway marriages, child labour, women's rights and forced labour.

She was involved with multiple NGOs, including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, to support various significant causes. She held workshops and regularly toured the interior parts of the country to create awareness on transitional justice, conflict prevention, family planning, education, human rights and peace building.

Awards and acknowledgments

She was honoured with the prestigious "Annual Muslim Award" by the House of Lords in 2003. This prestigious award is bestowed on behalf of the Queen of the United Kingdom. This recognition was based on her work and services over the last three decades for highlighting human and especially women's rights in Pakistan.

Death On 1 February 2018, Fariha Razak Haroon was found dead in her home in Karachi along with her husband Hazar Khan Bijarani. Family and PPP have confirmed that the couple suffered gunshot wounds. Police said the death appeared to be a murder-suicide.