Human Rights lawyer and pioneering social activist Asma Jahangir passed away February 11th after suffering a fatal cardiac arrest. Asma became the first woman to topline the Supreme Court Bar Association as its president. Asma was known as a pro-democracy activist, and at one point was jailed in 1983 for being a participant in the ‘Restoration Of Democracy,’ a picket against Zia-ul-Haq. Asma co-founded the ‘Human Rights Commission’ in the country and the ‘Women’s Action Forum’ and has received a number of prestigious awards, from ‘Hilal-i-Imtiaz’ to the ‘UNESCO Prize For The Promotion Of Culture Of Human Rights’ and the French ‘Officier de la Légion d’honneur.’
Bollywood veteran Shabana Azmi was close friends with Asma and expressed her grief over losing a close companion and someone who was a ‘fearless crusader’ in the face of villainy
The actress took to Twitter to pay condolences to ‘friend’ and ‘leader’ Asma and admitted Pakistan had lost a brave, brave soldier
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
Shabana has been an active social warrior, supporting child survival and participating in the quest to end AIDS in India
A sturdy anti-colonialist, Shabana has used her entertainment platform to project her opinion denouncing colonialism as a mistake for both India and Pakistan through plays such as ‘The Black Prince’ and ‘Broken Images.’ The actress has been an avid member of the ‘National Integration Council’ and a member of the ‘National AIDS Commission.’ She was also appointed as a ‘Goodwill Ambassador for India’ in 1998 by the ‘United Nations Population Fund.’
Shabana’s husband Javed Akhtar also took to Twitter to express dismay over Pakistan’s loss
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
Asma Jahangir, Renowned Lawyer, And Activist, Has Passed Away And Pakistanis Are Mourning