February 15, 2018— As one of Pakistan’s prominent human rights activists, she stood up against Islamic extremism, and was respected for her criticism of the militant Islamic groups in Pakistan. She remained there until 1988 before moving back to Pakistan. A part from visiting the Sabarmati Ashram and the Sarkhej Roza, she had called on Narendra Modi as the then Chief Minister and even accepted a token gift from him – actions that drew the ire of fundamentalist elements and social media trolls in Pakistan. Thus, from an early point she joined in protests against her father’s arrest as well as the military’s influence and interference in the political process of Pakistan. “She will always be remembered for her brilliant record in defense of human rights and her courageous reports on the crimes of the Iranian regime”, tweeted Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the NCRI. The US State Department issued a press release on Tuesday condoling the death of Jahangir. Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday urged the federal government to give a state funeral to Asma Jahangir to honour her for providing selfless services to the nation over the decades. Born in Lahore, in Punjab province, Asma was the daughter of Malik Ghulam Jilani, a civil servant who upon retirement became a politician, and his wife, Sabiha. As human rights gain universal currency, the relevance of her work cuts across nationalities and cultures. She has also been an outspoken critic of the Pakistans powerful military establishment, including during her tenure as the first-ever female leader of Pakistans top bar association. In 1987 she co-founded the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and became its Secretary General until 1993 when she was elevated as the commission’s chairperson, reports The News International. Ms. Jahangir died on February 10 in her native Pakistan. The nation has been left shocked by her death. Owing to her struggle and dedication to public service, the Commission earned global recognition for raising voice for religious minorities, downtrodden women and children. She was elected as SCBA president on October 27, 2010. Her death sparked an outpouring of tributes from global human rights groups and political leaders, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres – who called her a “human rights giant” – and Nobel prize victor Malala Yousafzai. Two years ago, Asma was on the stage in Lahore with Romila Thapar during the Lahore Literary Festival discussing the upsurge of religion and the resultant injustice in South Asia. Such courage comes at a high price in a country like Pakistan, where religious extremism is increasingly infiltrating politics and daily lives of people. Yet nothing stopped her from speaking out against injustice, whether it was at protest marches on the streets, interviews AliveForFootball
