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Pakistan and India mourn Asma Jahangir's sudden demise

The human rights champion is remembered by friends in her home country and across the border

Updated 12 Feb, 2018

Human rights champion Asma Jahangir passed away due to cardiac arrest in Lahore on Sunday. She was 66.

Jahangir made countless contributions to our nation, including championing women's rights in Pakistan and standing up against the patriarchy.

During the third day of Karachi Literature Festival when news of her demise broke, sessions held a one minute silence for the social activist. Some panelists even gave tribute to her during their talks.

Politician Ashraf Qazi opened his speech on Pak-India relations by giving a shout out to Jahangir. "Asma believed in the future of Pakistan, though she was reviled by most Pakistanis. And she would agree with what Mani Shankar said (regarding starting dialogue between Pakistan and India)."

His co-panelist, economist Asad Sayeed said, "We have lost a great person like Asma Jehangir today."

This shock also reverberated across the border. Moments after news of her death made headlines world over, tributes to her life and work began pouring in on social media.

Comments

James micheal Feb 11, 2018 03:51pm

Rest in Peace madam

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Syed Shahzad Bukhari Feb 11, 2018 05:42pm

Sad day for us as two of our iconic personalities in Human Rights and Art has gone, RIP.

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Abdul Muqtadir Feb 11, 2018 07:22pm

@Junaid Ali Totally disagree. She stood for the people of Pakistan, fought the military dictators, represented the innocent and poor who could not afford lawyers to fight their cases in courts and stood for Democracy. Her demise is certainly a big loss for the people of Pakistan. I hope someone fill the vacuum to carry on her flag.

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Basmah Feb 11, 2018 07:41pm

An unbelievable loss for the country! I hope the government includes a chapter in the school curriculum so that our children know her name and her endless work to protect the human rights of the suppressed in the country. Asma Jahangir is our precious heritage! We must protect her name and her work. We must inform the next generation how she boldly fought for the freedom of speech in Pakistan during the brutal Zia dictatorship. Her services for democracy and protecting human rights in Pakistan should not be taken for granted. She deserves much more state level recognition than just a state funeral.

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Concerned Feb 11, 2018 07:56pm

Sad news she was a principled woman and we have very few of those in our society

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Amer Rao Feb 11, 2018 08:33pm

RIP, life is very short. Love and peace for every one.

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HUSAIN NAQI Feb 11, 2018 09:37pm

a fighter who braved military dictatorships and rallied various segments of civil society to raised their voice for human rights of all ,[particularly the excluded. she emerged as the leading voice against bigots and defended their victims in courts of law and public opinion.

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GLY Mendon Feb 11, 2018 09:37pm

One of the Saner Voice in Pakistan has gone. Pakistan's civil society will miss your courage and conviction

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Changez Khan Feb 11, 2018 09:43pm

One of the most outspoken brave activist lady Pakistan has seen. RIP.

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ehtesham rao Feb 11, 2018 09:49pm

RIP, a courageous voice

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Tariq Feb 11, 2018 10:54pm

A very bad day for Pakistan. This brave lady fought all her life against anti people forces and fundamentalist mullahs. A role model to emulate by human rights activist all over the world. RIP

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shakil ahmed Feb 12, 2018 07:46am

Really very sad. A loss irreparable. We may continue her struggle for human rights and diginity of people in Pakistan.

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Srinath Reddy Feb 12, 2018 10:50am

A towering figure blessed with an indomitable spirit to fight for the underdog is no more with us. She will be remembered all over the world for ages to follow by people who value human freedom.

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Mahadev Feb 12, 2018 11:19am

Lost human being who stood for human rights through out her career,may her soul rest in Peace.

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Parikshit Ghosh Feb 12, 2018 04:51pm

So sad.

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Nadeem Anthony Feb 12, 2018 05:00pm

I had experience to work with Ms. Asma Jahangir at AGHS Legal Aid Cell and at Human Rights Commission of Pakistan as Council Member and found her a diligent with her work, caring others and committed in protection and promotion of human rights. The sad demise of Mr. Asma Jahangir leave us alone. Nadeem Anthony

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Ejaz ur Rehman Feb 12, 2018 07:12pm

Salute to towering personality. She stood for democracy, human rights and voiced against persecution of minorities.

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Anonymous Feb 12, 2018 10:02pm

Another courageous woman of Asia passes away! Asmaji Rest in peace. But the fight for human rights and fairer world without discrimination will go on! Loss of not just Pakistan but whole of Asia.

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Hamid Bashir Feb 13, 2018 09:19am

Rest in peace Ms Jahangir. You fought an uphill battle and gave voice to many. You will be remembered.

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