The founding member of Women’s Action Forum (WAF), Lala Rukh, passes away at the age of 69 in Lahore on Friday.
Lala Rukh was diagnosed with cancer last month and took her last breath at her home in Lahore, where she lived with her sister. As an activist and campaigner, she remained the head of the art and history departments at the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore.
She also headed some part of the women’s protest at Mall Road against General Zia ul Haq’s martial law regime and was sent to jail at that time for her growing and aggressive political activities.
Lala Rukh spoke as a voice for the many minorities and women; she never married and had even adopted her sister’s daughter Mariam.
Condolences poured in post the news of her death:
“My dearest friend LalaRukh, a dedicated member of Women Action Forum and a lifelong crusader for justice, equality, women’s rights and minority rights from a feminist perspective, as well as a renowned artist died peacefully this morning after a month-long struggle with cancer. Rest in peace dear Lala – we will miss you so much in WAF, in our lives and you will forever remain alive in our hearts. We love you Lala,” author and researcher Rubina Saigol wrote in a public Facebook post.”
Her funeral is to be held at her sister’s residence at around 5pm, and will be laid to rest in Miyani Sahib graveyard.
