10th death anniversary: Begum Kulsum Saifullah remembered for services

By Bureau report
January 28, 2025
A noted businesswoman, politician and philanthropist Begum Kulsum Saifullah Khanseen in this image. — APP/File
A noted businesswoman, politician and philanthropist Begum Kulsum Saifullah Khanseen in this image. — APP/File

PESHAWAR: Rich tributes were paid to Begum Kulsum Saifullah Khan, a noted businesswoman, politician and philanthropist, at her 10th death anniversary.

A gathering took place at the residence of her son, Salim Saifullah Khan, where family members and well-wishers paid tribute to Pakistan’s first woman federal minister who held the portfolio of commerce and population welfare in 1988.

Among the participants were her elder son, former Federal Minister Anwar Saifullah Khan, who joined others in offering prayers for her departed soul.Born in 1924 in Karak district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Begum Kulsum 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 actively participated in Pakistan’s politics, serving as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) thrice and as MPA of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa twice.In recognition of her contributions to politics and commerce, she was honoured with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Crescent of Distinction) in 2008.

After the untimely demise of her husband, Saifullah Khan, in 1964, Begum Kulsum took charge of the family business. Under her leadership, the Saif Group of Companies grew into one of Pakistan’s leading business conglomerates, excelling in textiles, power generation, oil and gas exploration, and telecommunications.

Begum Kulsum was a founding member of the All Pakistan Women’s Association (APWA) in 1947. She worked closely with Begum Rana Liaquat Ali Khan, the founder of APWA, serving as an advisor until 1951.

Her philanthropic initiatives included the establishment of the Women Business Development Centre in Peshawar, which has been providing skill training to thousands of deserving women for the last several decades.Begum Kulsum Saifullah passed away on January 26, 2015, at the age of 91. She is survived by her five sons, who continue to uphold her legacy.