Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Development professional Laila Naz Taj from Pasum Upper Chitral has received the Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan Excellence Award 2026 in recognition of her contributions to Pakistan’s social and institutional development.
Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani attended the ceremony as chief guest at the award ceremony while the federal minister for poverty alleviation and social safety presented the award.
The awards recognise women whose leadership, professional excellence and dedication have contributed to Pakistan’s social, economic and institutional development. The citation acknowledged Taj’s commitment to nation-building, public service and empowerment.
An alumna of Harvard Business School and the London School of Economics, Ms Taj has worked in Pakistan, the United Kingdom, the United States and Afghanistan, collaborating with governments, communities, development partners, civil society and institutions to translate policy priorities into action.
She expressed gratitude to Allah Almighty, the Government of Pakistan and the selection committee for recognising her contributions. She reaffirmed her commitment to serving marginalised communities through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and advancing integrated, community-driven development.
Ms Laila Taj also paid tribute to her parents and mentors for their guidance and encouragement, pledging to continue contributing to national progress and the betterment of humanity.
She currently serves as director at AKDN in Pakistan, supporting strategic engagement on national development priorities. Her work spans poverty reduction, climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, education, community development, child and family wellbeing, and inclusive development.
The award was conferred by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, and the Islamabad Centre of National Cohesion and Outreach.