HRCP remembers human rights defender Madeeha Gauhar

Press release

HRCP remembers human rights defender Madeeha Gauhar

Lahore, 26 April 2018. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) mourns the loss of Madeeha Gauhar, consummate actor, playwright, director and human rights defender. Ms Gauhar, who passed away in Lahore at the age of 61 after a protracted illness, was an unflinching advocate of women’s rights, of progressive, secular values, and of peace between Pakistan and India.

As an early practitioner of social and street theater during the 1980s, under General Zia-ul-Haq’s repressive military regime, Madeeha Gauhar’s commitment to human rights fed the plays she adapted and directed for Ajoka Theatre. She did not balk at tackling themes that were as unpopular with the conservative establishment as they were a sign of troubled times—running the gamut from honor killings and dictatorship to religious hypocrisy and political corruption.

In 2010, when the Pakistan National Council of the Arts initially refused Ajoka permission to stage its satirical play Burqavaganza, HRCP’s co-founder, the late Asma Jahangir, offered the theater company the use of the Dorab Patel Auditorium. Subsequently, the play was performed at HRCP, following one of its annual general meetings some years later.

HRCP extends its condolences to Madeeha Gauhar’s family and friends and salutes another iconic human rights defender.

Dr Mehdi Hasan

Chairperson

 

Category: English