A poem published in The Illustrated Weekly of India in 1933 marked the beginning of a professional writing life for fifteen-year-old Zaib-un-Nissa Hamidullah. By the time she passed away in 2000, she had secured her place in history as the first female editor, publisher, and political columnist in Pakistan, operating within a literary tradition shaped by her early years in Kolkata.
Early influences and literary foundations
Born in 1921, she grew up in a literary environment in Kolkata. Educated at Loreto College and the University of Calcutta, she developed her voice through poetry. Her work gained early recognition when she won a competition sponsored by the Daily Mirror while still in her teens. These formative years established her foundation in both English and Urdu, disciplines that would later anchor her extensive journalistic output.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Transition to political journalism
Following the 1947 independence, she shifted her professional focus to political commentary. At the Karachi daily newspaper Dawn, she launched the column Thru a Woman's Eyes. While initially pressured by editor Altaf Husain to restrict her writing to traditional feminine interests, she successfully campaigned for the right to critique political developments. This achievement established her as the country's first female political commentator.
Entrepreneurship and international advocacy
In 1952, she founded the monthly magazine Mirror, serving as both editor and publisher. The publication achieved status as the first social glossy magazine in the nation. Her professional standing led to roles in international press delegations, including a notable 1955 address at Cairo's al-Azhar University. Throughout the 1970s, she continued to represent Pakistan at the United Nations, serving as a deputy chief of the Pakistani delegation.
Fast facts
- Born: 1921, Kolkata
- Died: 2000, Karachi
- Citizenship: Pakistan, British Raj
- Notable work: Mirror
- Education: Loreto College; University of Calcutta
- First female political columnist in Pakistan
- First woman to speak at al-Azhar University
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the magazine Mirror?
Mirror was Pakistan's first social glossy magazine, which allowed Hamidullah to work as the nation's first female editor and publisher.
Did Hamidullah hold any roles at the United Nations?
Yes, she repeatedly represented Pakistan at the United Nations, including serving as the deputy chief of the Pakistani delegation to the special 1970 session.
Achievements
- Notable work: Mirror
.jpg)
