Laila Naz Taj has received the prestigious Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan Excellence Award 2026 in recognition of her significant contributions to Pakistan's social and institutional development. The high-profile ceremony was held in Islamabad, where Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani attended as the chief guest, while the Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety formally presented the award to the recipient.
The Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan Excellence Awards are designed to recognize distinguished women whose leadership, professional excellence, and unwavering dedication have contributed meaningfully to the country's social, economic, and institutional landscape. The official award citation specifically acknowledges Taj's deep-rooted commitment to nation-building, public service, and the empowerment of marginalized segments of society.
Laila Naz Taj is a distinguished alumna of the Harvard Business School and the London School of Economics. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively across Pakistan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Afghanistan.
Her professional journey involves engaging with diverse stakeholders, including governments, local communities, international development partners, civil society organizations, and various institutions to translate complex policy priorities into tangible, meaningful action. While receiving the award, Taj reaffirmed her steadfast commitment to serving marginalized communities through her work with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
She emphasized the importance of advancing integrated, community-driven development models that address the root causes of poverty and social inequality. She also paid a heartfelt tribute to her parents and mentors, crediting them for inspiring her pursuit of excellence through both personal achievement and professional perseverance.
Taj pledged to continue contributing to national progress and the betterment of humanity with dedication, humility, and an enduring commitment to excellence. She noted that such recognition serves as a motivation to further her efforts in creating sustainable impact within the country's social sector.
The award has been conferred by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) in collaboration with several key government and national bodies. These include 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 event concluded with a call for more women to take active roles in the nation's development trajectory.