Madeeha Gauhar

Overview

Madeeha Gauhar born Karachi, Pakistan September 21, 1956. Pakistani actress and playwright. Dedicated to peace with India; founded social protest theater Ajoka ("Today") which joined in festivals with Indian women, Lahore, 1983. Directed hit play "Bullah" about nonviolent Sufi saint. Twice jailed for women’s rights protests. Nobel Peace Prize nominee, 2005.

Quotations

"My vision of my country is that of a liberal, progressive, vibrant, tolerant society—free from fundamentalism and hatred. Defence spending should be cut down to make way for literacy, economic elevation and thriving arts. (vehemently) All those who propagate hate-wave should be thrown into the Arabian Sea."(Chandigarhh Tribune, Nov. 23, 2003; photo pkmart.pk)