Laila Naz Taj Honoured With Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan Excellence Award for 2026

Laila Naz Taj – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – Laila Naz Taj has received the Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan Excellence Award 2026. The award honours her contributions to Pakistan’s social and institutional development.

Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani attended the ceremony as the chief guest. The federal minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety presented the award to her.

The Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan Excellence Awards celebrate women who have shown strong leadership and professional excellence. These women have also given their time and effort to help the country grow. Their work has made a real difference in social, economic and institutional development.

The award citation praised Laila Naz Taj for her commitment to nation-building. It also noted her dedication to public service and empowerment.

Laila Naz Taj is a graduate of Harvard Business School and the London School of Economics. Over the years, she has worked in Pakistan, the United Kingdom, the United States and Afghanistan.

In these countries, she has worked closely with governments, communities and development partners. She has also engaged with civil society groups and institutions. Her aim has been simple: to turn policy priorities into practical action that people can see and feel.

While accepting the award, she said she would keep serving marginalised communities. She will continue this work through the Aga Khan Development Network. She also spoke about the value of integrated, community-driven development.

Community-driven development means local people take part in decisions that affect their lives. This approach helps solutions fit real needs on the ground.

Laila Naz Taj also paid tribute to her parents and mentors. She said they inspired her to pursue excellence through both achievement and perseverance. Their guidance, she noted, has shaped her journey.

She promised to keep contributing to national progress and the betterment of humanity. She said she would do so with dedication, humility and a lasting commitment to excellence.

The award was conferred by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF). It was organised in collaboration with several government bodies. These include the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. The Islamabad Centre of National Cohesion and Outreach also joined the effort.

The ceremony reflects a growing focus on women’s contributions to Pakistan’s development. Such recognition also encourages more women to step forward and lead in public service and community work.

For Laila Naz Taj, the award marks an important moment in her career. It also highlights the value of steady, people-focused work in building a stronger Pakistan.