Pakistan: Human rights activist Asma Jahangir dies at 66
Senior advocate Jahangir was well-known for speaking up against human rights violations and was a staunch supporter of democracy.
Human rights activist and senior Pakistani lawyer Asma Jahangir died in Lahore on Sunday due to a cardiac arrest, The Express Tribune reported. She was 66. Some reports said the lawyer has been battling cancer for years now.
Jahangir, born in Lahore in January 1952, was the first woman to serve as the president of Pakistan’s Supreme Court Bar Association. She was also the United Nations Rapporteur for Human Rights, and a former Pakistan Human Rights Commission chief.
Jahangir was well-known for speaking up against human rights violations and was a staunch supporter of democracy. She was an outspoken critic of the military’s interference in civilian rule and a defender of the rule of law. Jahangir had written for many publications, and authored two books.
Soon after reports of her death emerged, many users took to Twitter to express their condolences.
RIP Asma Jahangir. The Subcontinent’s bravest and most “incorrigible” liberal. No one touched by her came without her touch of kindness. Both Pakistan and India are poorer today. pic.twitter.com/IEL3rXbjcS
— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) February 11, 2018
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) February 11, 2018
Deeply saddened by the news of sudden demise of renowned lawyer and human rights activist Asma Jahangir sahiba. Pakistan has lost a passionate champion of human rights and a staunch supporter of democracy. May her soul rest in peace!
We’ve lost a mother. The bravest in the land. Irreplaceable. #AsmaJahangir
— Zaitoon (@Zaitoonmalik) February 11, 2018
Terrified that there's one less sane voice and vote in Pakistan, when Pakistan needs it the most. #AsmaJahangir
— Hira Najam (@hiranajam) February 11, 2018
Asma Jahangir was the bravest person I knew. She fearlessly stood up to dictators, thugs, misogynists. She was never daunted by the attacks that came her way. She never wavered from her principles. Her loss is incalculable.
— Omar Waraich (@OmarWaraich) February 11, 2018
One of the bravest persons I have had the privilege to meet, Asma Jahangir has passed away.. a human rights activist and lawyer who was at the forefront for securing democratic values in Pakistan.. RIP
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) February 11, 2018
One of the great voices for peace, justice and human rights has fallen silent. I met @Asma_Jahangir in Jaipur a few years ago and was struck by her intelligence, curiosity and indefatigable energy to do right. May her soul rest in peace.
— Rahul Bose (@RahulBose1) February 11, 2018
Shocking to hear about the passing of this brave woman. Her honesty and sincerity to her cause remains an inspiration for our generation. Was always so full of life. We will miss you ma’am. @Asma_Jahangir pic.twitter.com/gGqEJuAexv
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) February 11, 2018
It wasn’t easy to live Asma Jahangir’s life. The Asma Jahangir that lives inside every Pakistani women, brave, fearless, rebellious. Don’t let that Asma within you ever die. The fight continues! pic.twitter.com/tbUcHplQQ0
— Rabia Anum (@RabiaAnumm) February 11, 2018
‘Speaking truth to power’ a phrase, we often use. #AsmaJahangir lived,practiced till her last breath. Questioned mullahs, military, judges, politicians, all the powerful;defended downtrodden. Faced threats &
— Raza Ahmad Rumi (@Razarumi) February 11, 2018
attacks. Was never afraid.What a hero. We have to contend with a void. pic.twitter.com/NFamtObL0s
What a loss! A great colleague Asma Jahangir passes away. Few days ago, we appeared together in the Supreme Court. This distinguished voice shall be remembered for long
— Babar Awan (@BabarAwanPK) February 11, 2018
What a terrible, tragic loss. @Asma_Jahangir is no more.
— Wajahat S. Khan (@WajSKhan) February 11, 2018
Yes, she was anti-establishment. Yes, I and many others didn’t agree with some of her views.
But she was a titan. And one of the brightest and bravest ever produced by this country. May her soul be blessed. pic.twitter.com/u8z3jyRxNR
What a tragic day for Pakistan today. We lost a brave, fearless voice. She stood against dictators, she raised voices for those who did not have them. An irreplaceable loss. Irreplaceable. #RestinPeace #AsmaJahangir
— Mahwash Ajaz (@mahwashajaz_) February 11, 2018