Condolences pour in for Asma Jehangir on Twitter
People from across the world mourned the sudden demise of Pakistan’s top lawyer and human rights activist Asma Jehangir on social media. Known as Pakistan’s Iron Lady, Asma passed away on Sunday due to a cardiac arrest in Lahore.
She was not only a symbol of bravery and strength for the people of Pakistanbut also an inspiration for women across the globe.
She headed the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and remained the Supreme Court Bar Association chairperson. She was also appointed as UN Rapporteur in the region during the 1990s. She remained in jail during the dictatorial rule of General Zia-ul Haq in 1983 for raising her voice for the democrats.
Human rights activists, politicians and many others took to Twitter to express their grief. Here’s a look at a few reactions:
“Asma Jehangir’s death is a loss of a strong voice for the marginalised and oppressed. Despite our differences I always respected her for her fight for human rights and for standing up for her convictions,” former cricketer and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Imran Khan said in a tweet.
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.
.@asma_jahangir What a brave woman.Pakistan poorer without her.People like Asma are anchors of a society.The brave and dedicated daughter of a brave father.After 3 generations of camaraderie between our families,this is a deep personal loss.God bless her soul
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
A horrible loss for all of us. Will miss her incredible courage in insisting that human rights cannot be comprised, ever. #AsmaJahangir
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
Sad day! Pakistan lost the brave & vocal #AsmaJahangir today. Eminent lawyer & a staunch democracy activist who not only challenged the dictators but also played a vital role in promoting the culture of human rights in Pakistan.
RIP #AsmaJahangir
The people of #Iran, particularly the #women will never forget your efforts.#IranProtests #1988massacre
As women, we are expected to deal with discrimination & violence and all the invisible cuts that knock us down every single day. And we are allowed to be sad about it but not angry. I think what disturbed so many people about #AsmaJhangir was that she was never afraid to be angry
Shabnam Hashmi
There are very few fighters like you.
This will take a long time to sink in that you are no more.
Condolences to friends, fellow human right defenders of South Asia , family. We have lost a fearless, strong and an important voice today.
Teesta Setalvad: “In 2009 as Special Rapporteur Asma visited India. We organised a meeting in Ahmd with Survivors, lawyers, journos. Her report was outstanding.”
British Pakistani novelist Kamila Shamsie: “Thinking of Nadeem Aslam’s line: Pakistan produces the most courageous people; but no state should require its citizens to be so brave. #AsmaJahangir”
Akhtar Mengal, president of the Balochistan National Party: “Aasma Jahangir was a woman of extraordinary determination.Her dedication to justice gave many people of Balochistan hope. A woman who fought patriarchy & non-democratic forces was truly what it takes to be an Iron Lady.Thank you Asma Jahangir. Balochistan is forever in your debt.”
Shabana Azmi: “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.”
Lyricist Javed Akhtar: “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.”
Category: Media Monitoring
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