In initial years of her married life she focussed primarily on looking after household and raising her children like any Pakistani housewife.[4] However, she gradually, involved herself in helping the people through welfare activities, and got socially more active. Her endeavors in this regard were multifaceted and added much to the benefit of the Pakistani society.
Philanthropy
On her husband's death in 1957, Begum Salim Khan moved to the town of Abbottabad, Pakistan, where she became increasingly involved in various social and charitable works over the years,[5] in close collaboration with other well-known women social workers such as Lady Viqar un Nisa Noon, Begum Zari Sarfaraz, Begum Kulsum Saifullah Khan Dr Attiya Inayatullah and Begum Shaista Suhrawardy Ikramullah; and also served as Chief Executive of organizations such as the Family Planning Association of Pakistan,[6] Pakistan Red Crescent Society, Lok Virsa Museum, National Crafts Council of Pakistan, Anti TB Association of Pakistan,[7] the SOS Children's Villages, Pakistan and others. She also remained patron-president of the National Youth Council of Pakistan and received the Adelaide Ristori Award, Italy, in 1980, for her work in promoting cultural activities among Pakistani youth.[8] She also received several other national and international awards for social welfare activities.[9]
Political career
Back in 1960s, she was sworn in as the first ever woman Provincial Minister in West Pakistan's Cabinet, during General Ayub Khan government, [10] serving as Minister of Education in 1962-1967. But her stay in politics was brief and she resumed her welfare activities which she continued till her demise.
She had passion for gardening and was very fond of flowers.[11] She died peacefully at her home in Abbottabad, Pakistan, in 2007, at the age of 94 years.[12]
