News Desk |
Asma Jehangir, a senior lawyer, and a leading human rights activist passed away in Lahore at the age of 66 after suffering a cardiac arrest on Sunday, 11th February 2018. She is survived by a son and two daughters.
The world knew Asma Jehangir as a vociferous activist of human rights from Pakistan. Besides, being a skilled lawyer, Jehangir was a politically mindful figure that intrepidly resisted the unconstitutional coups of military dictators in Pakistan, within her domain.
As a co-founder of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, she survived all the obstructions during her various human rights campaigns and movements. Her unmoved determination towards democracy made her stand tall amongst all her critics and supporters alike. She was a figure that garnered the respect of her detractors as well.
Indians too mourned the death of the lady as did people from all around the world.
Notable figures and celebrities from Pakistan, India and the entire world paid tribute to her in their messages of condolence. They admired Asma Jehangir for her courage and hailed her for the struggles she made against coercive practices that undermined the rights of human and particularly of women in the society.
Read more: UN Secretary General pays tribute to Asma Jahangir
Mahira Khan, Armeena Khan, Ali Zafar, Osman Khalid Butt, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Malala Yousafzai and other actors including Shabana Azmi, director Mahesh Bhatt, writer Javed Akhter, Nandita Dad from India extended their heartfelt messages on the demise of Asma Jehangir.
Inna lillahi wa inna ileyhi raji’un.
An irreplaceable loss – I wonder if we’ll ever see the likes of someone like you again, but I hope your storied life inspires countless. Asma ji, thank you for being fearless, always. Rest in power.— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) February 11, 2018
Heartsick.
We couldn’t afford to lose her; we were so lucky to have her. #asmajahangir https://t.co/yu1Gw7VtCA— Kamila Shamsie (@kamilashamsie) February 11, 2018
“A saviour of democracy and human rights passes away today” Anyone who values their freedom will understand what a massive loss it is that we have incurred today. #RIPAsmaJahangir 🙁 pic.twitter.com/vrxOQXoKRW
— Armeena Khan (@ArmeenaRK) 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
Heartbroken that we lost Asma Jahangir – a saviour of democracy and human rights.
I met her a week ago in Oxford. I cannot believe she is no more among us. The best tribute to her is to continue her fight for human rights and democracy. pic.twitter.com/Tf7VOYfvq5
— Malala (@Malala) February 11, 2018
Asma Jahangir , undoubtedly the bravest and the most resilient fighter for human rights who had the courage to face the wrath of the dictators and the fury of the fundamentalist Mulla has passed away . It is the loss of the whole Sub continent .
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) February 11, 2018
Just heard the devastating news that #Asma Jehangir passed away.She was a friend for who’s values integrity and courage I have the deepest respect. Pakistan has lost its most fearless crusader and the human rights movement its tallest leader. Our deepest condolences to the family
— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) February 11, 2018
An extraordinary woman who fought for ordinary people. Asmaji had the audacity and the courage to fight for a fairer world. Thank you for touching our lives. pic.twitter.com/wML94XmtcI
— Mahesh Bhatt (@MaheshNBhatt) February 11, 2018
Deeply shocked & saddened to hear of #AsmaJahangir. She was a true defender of #HumanRights #Democracy & fought till her last breath against authoritarian power, orthodoxy & discriminatn. She was & will remain an inspiration A huge loss. Condolences to all whose lives she touched pic.twitter.com/FtR6HnFbIf
— Nandita Das (@nanditadas) February 11, 2018
Sad sad day for Pakistan.. we say goodbye to a great great artist and a fearless activist. They shall live on through their work, always. #QaziWajid #AsmaJahangir pic.twitter.com/RLWZzR7aK2
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) February 11, 2018
However, despite all the positive messages from all over the world, there were some who even after her death continued to criticize her. Political commentator Zaid Hamid made this controversial tweet after her passing.
https://twitter.com/ZaidZamanHamid/status/962662574591545344