Ms Fauzia Wahab’s passing away on Sunday in Karachi has evoked shock and sorrow from the PPP as well as across the political divide and from society at large. Her sudden and shocking demise because of post-operative complications has raised many questions about the care she received in her last days. Ms Wahab leaves a husband and four children, to whom we can only extend our condolences. Along with a rich legacy of social and political activism, Ms Wahab will be remembered as one of the PPP’s most outspoken spokespersons. Being part of Pakistan’s biggest political party with the largest women’s representation, the 56-year-old Ms Wahab rose to prominence due to her advocacy of human rights, and an avid yet rational voice of the party. Following the manifesto of the original founders of the PPP, her main focus always remained the deprived. Her first entry in politics came during her studies in the early and mid-1970s. Ms Wahab joined the PPP during Benazir Bhutto’s first tenure. She later served as the Information secretary of the party in Sindh. Working in close liaison with Benazir, she was later elected an MNA. She was appointed central information secratary of the party during the PPP’s present tenure, a role she fulfilled with dedication and distinction. Ms Wahab’s name became synonymous with devoted, passionate and loyal adherence to her party’s policies and the vocalisation of that on numerous TV shows where she became a regular presence. Invoking strong sentiments in her audience, there was no one — her admirers or critics — who remained immune to her oratorical prowess. The PPP and all those she fought for — the minorities, the persecuted and the downtrodden — will remember her for her unwavering focus and dedication to her party and her causes. As her well-wishers and many amongst the general public call for a proper medical investigation into the post-surgical complications leading to her slipping into a coma, resulting in her premature death, it will bring into focus the less than satisfactory medical care in the country. In the meantime, let us all unite to bid adieu to one of those few Pakistani women who dared to live according to her principles and made a significant mark in whichever field she touched. *