Srinagar, July 11:The National Conference (NC) on Friday paid rich tributes to Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah, the wife of party founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, on her 25th death anniversary.
NC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah, along with several senior leaders, party functionaries, and workers, visited her mausoleum at Hazratbal in Srinagar to offer floral tributes and special Fateha (prayers) for the departed soul.
Remembering her contributions to public service and social welfare, the party lauded Begum Akbar Jehan’s role in shaping the political and social fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. She served as a two-time Member of Parliament, representing Srinagar (1977–1979) and Anantnag (1984–1989) in the Lok Sabha.
Born in 1916, Akbar Jehan remained a prominent voice in women’s empowerment and social reform during politically turbulent times in Jammu and Kashmir. She passed away on July 11, 2000, at the age of 84.
She was the mother of Dr. Farooq Abdullah, former Chief Minister and current NC President, and grandmother of Omar Abdullah, the present Chief Minister of J&K. Her husband, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, served as the first Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir from 1948 to 1953 before the position was renamed as Chief Minister.
The NC leadership described her as a pillar of strength during Sheikh Abdullah’s political struggle and as a trailblazer for women’s participation in public life in J&K.
