Islamabad: Eight women from diverse professional backgrounds have been honoured with the Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan Excellence Awards 2026 for their contributions to public service, social development, women’s empowerment and strengthening institutions in Pakistan.
The awards were organised by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, the Ministry of Defence, the ministry responsible for culture and national heritage, and the Islamabad Centre of National Cohesion and Outreach.
Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani attended the ceremony as chief guest, while the awards were presented by the Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety.
Among the recipients was Laila Naz Taj, Director at the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Pakistan, who was recognised for her contributions to human development, public policy, humanitarian response and institutional development.
An alumna of Harvard Business School and the London School of Economics, Taj has worked in Pakistan, the United Kingdom, the United States and Afghanistan, collaborating with governments, development organisations and communities on poverty reduction, climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, education and inclusive development.
Her professional experience includes working in complex humanitarian settings, strengthening partnerships between institutions and communities, and supporting initiatives aimed at improving the lives of marginalised populations.
Speaking after receiving the award, Taj expressed gratitude to the government and selection committee for recognising her services and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting marginalised communities through the Aga Khan Development Network.
She also acknowledged the support of her parents and mentors and pledged to continue contributing to community development, institutional strengthening and national progress.
Other recipients included former senator and caretaker federal minister Roshan Khursheed Bharucha; Dr Quratulain Bakhteari, founder of the Institute for Development Studies and Practices (IDSP); and Chandni Joshi, former regional director of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) in South Asia.
Sister Mariam Parveen Genevieve Ram Lal, National Director of the Catholic Women’s Organization; Robeela Bangash, founding member and chief executive officer of the Human Resource Development Network (HRDN); Sister Mariam Sadiq Gill of St Joseph’s Hospice Association, Rawalpindi; and Mumtaz Mughal, Chief Operating Officer of the Aurat Foundation, were also among the award recipients.
Organisers said the awards recognised women whose professional achievements and leadership have contributed to social welfare, community empowerment and institutional development across Pakistan.
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