Laila Naz Taj has received the Laila Naz Taj Excellence Award, formally presented as the Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan Excellence Award 2026, in recognition of her contributions to Pakistan’s social and institutional development. The honour acknowledges her commitment to public service, nation-building and empowering communities through meaningful development initiatives.
The award ceremony was attended by Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani as the chief guest. The award was presented by the federal minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, recognising Taj’s professional achievements and dedication to improving lives through community-focused work.
The Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan Excellence Awards celebrate women whose leadership, professional excellence and sustained efforts have contributed to Pakistan’s social, economic and institutional progress. The recognition highlights the important role women play in public service, development and strengthening communities across the country.
Recognition of Leadership and Public Service
The Laila Naz Taj Excellence Award recognises more than professional success. Its citation highlights Taj’s commitment to nation-building, public service and empowerment, reflecting the importance of turning development priorities into practical outcomes for individuals and communities.
Women working across development, governance and institutional leadership often contribute by connecting public policies with the needs of people on the ground. Taj’s professional experience reflects this approach, bringing together engagement with government bodies, development partners, civil society organisations and local communities.
Her work across different countries has provided opportunities to engage with diverse institutions and communities. Such experience can help development professionals understand different social challenges, build partnerships and support initiatives designed around local needs.
The recognition also draws attention to the contribution of women professionals in creating more inclusive development opportunities. Their participation in decision-making, programme delivery and institutional cooperation remains important to addressing social challenges and supporting sustainable progress.
Education and International Experience
Laila Naz Taj is an alumna of Harvard Business School and the London School of Economics, two internationally recognised institutions. Her educational background complements her professional engagement across Pakistan, the United Kingdom, the United States and Afghanistan.
Throughout her career, Taj has worked with governments, communities, development partners, civil society groups and institutions. Her work has focused on translating policy priorities into meaningful action, an approach that seeks to connect strategic planning with practical development outcomes.
Working across different national and institutional environments requires an understanding of local circumstances, effective collaboration and the ability to bring stakeholders together around shared objectives. These skills can be particularly valuable in development initiatives addressing complex social and economic challenges.
The Laila Naz Taj Excellence Award therefore places a spotlight on her experience in public service and development, as well as her commitment to using professional knowledge to support broader social progress.
Commitment to Community-Driven Development
While accepting the award, Taj reaffirmed her commitment to serving marginalised communities through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). She also emphasised the importance of advancing integrated, community-driven development.
Community-driven approaches place local people and their needs at the centre of development planning. Rather than relying solely on decisions made at the institutional level, these approaches seek to involve communities in identifying priorities and shaping solutions.
Integrated development can bring together different areas of support to address interconnected challenges. Depending on local needs, this may involve cooperation across social services, economic opportunities and community institutions.
Taj’s stated commitment reflects the importance of sustained engagement with communities that face barriers to development. Supporting marginalised populations requires cooperation, long-term planning and a focus on solutions that respond to the circumstances of the people they are intended to serve.
Her association with the Aga Khan Development Network also provides a platform for continued engagement with community-focused development initiatives.
Tribute to Parents and Mentors
During the ceremony, Taj paid tribute to her parents and mentors, acknowledging their influence on her pursuit of excellence. She highlighted the role of inspiration, perseverance and guidance in shaping her professional journey.
Her remarks offered a personal dimension to the recognition, emphasising that professional achievements are often supported by encouragement and lessons learned from others.
Taj also pledged to continue contributing to Pakistan’s progress and the betterment of humanity with dedication, humility and an enduring commitment to excellence.
Organisations Behind the Award
The award was conferred by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, and the Islamabad Centre of National Cohesion and Outreach.
The collaboration reflects a joint effort to recognise women whose work supports social development, institutional progress and national cohesion.
The Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan Excellence Award 2026 marks an important recognition of Laila Naz Taj’s professional journey and commitment to public service. Through her international experience and focus on community-driven development, she has engaged with institutions and communities to help turn policy priorities into practical action.
The Laila Naz Taj Excellence Award also highlights the wider contribution of women to Pakistan’s development. Taj’s pledge to continue serving marginalised communities underscores the importance of inclusive progress, collaboration and sustained commitment to improving lives.
