Memorial bench to be unveiled for pregnant woman murdered by husband at Arthur's Seat

A memorial bench will be unveiled in Edinburgh next month in honour of a pregnant woman who was murdered by her husband.

Fawziyah Javed was on a mini break in Edinburgh in September 2021 with her husband Kashif Anwar, 29, when she fell from a height on Arthur’s Seat.

The 31-year-old lawyer from Leeds, who was 17-weeks pregnant, managed to tell passers-by that she had been pushed by her partner before she died.

Anwar was subsequently found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh of her murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The court heard that Anwar pushed Ms Javed because she wanted to end the marriage.

Fawziyah Javed was 31 years old and 17 weeks pregnant when she was murdered by her husband. InTouch Foundation

Karma Nirvana, a charity that provides support to people impacted by honour-based abuse, alongside the City of Edinburgh Council will unveil a memorial bench at Arthur’s Seat to commemorate Ms Javed’s life.

“This bench will serve as a lasting tribute to an extraordinary woman whose life was tragically cut short but whose spirit continues to inspire all who knew her,” the charity said.

“As we remember Fawziyah through this event, we renew our commitment to supporting victims and their families and advocating for an end to violence against women and girls.

“This bench serves not only as a tribute to Fawziyah Javed but also as a call to action.

“It is a reminder that we must continue to raise awareness and empower individuals to break free from all forms of abuse.

“This event is open to all and will be attended by Fawziyah’s family.”

Karma Nirvana described Ms Javed as an “exceptionally intelligent, resilient, and compassionate” person and a “beacon of kindness, generosity, and selflessness”.

Edinburgh & East

Mother of pregnant woman pushed to her death backs calls for justice

Fawziyah Javed and her unborn child died when she was pushed from Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh in September 2021.

The charity said it welcomed moves by the Scottish Government – as part of its plans to address violence against women and girls – to take a specific approach to tackling honour-based abuse.

Those who wish to join Ms Javed’s family and take part in the unveiling of the memorial are asked to meet at St Leonard’s Bank on September 2 at 1pm.

More information can be found here.