As the news of the death of human rights lawyer and activist Asma Jahangir has made its way online, there are several reactions to it.
People have taken to Twitter and Facebook both to react to the news of Ms. Jahangir’s death
#AsmaJahangir and others in a civil society protest against @narendramodi atrocities in Kashmir to support people's of kashmir. She was the real human rights activist…! pic.twitter.com/q0ISrVMy4x
— Malik Ramzan Isra (@MalikRamzanIsra) February 11, 2018
#AsmaJahangir was one of the greatest human rights activist, and towering legal minds this country has ever produced. She took the martial law of Yahya Khan to court at the age of 18 after her father was detained, she took to street protests against the regime of General Zia
— Hasan Saeed (@HasanSaeed6) February 11, 2018
Many are remembering her as a staunch supporter of democratic values within the country and a beacon of hope for the pluralist mindset in the country
Today it's not only Pakistan who will cry. The entire South Asia shall mourn #AsmaJahangir. This is a loss of not only Pakistan. She shook up the conscience of the world.
— Marvi Sirmed (@marvisirmed) February 11, 2018
‘Speaking truth to power’ a phrase, we often use. #AsmaJahangir lived,practiced till her last breath. Questioned mullahs, military, judges, politicians, all the powerful;defended downtrodden. Faced threats &
attacks. Was never afraid.What a hero. We have to contend with a void. pic.twitter.com/NFamtObL0s— Raza Ahmad Rumi (@Razarumi) February 11, 2018
#AsmaJahangir's death is the loss for every brave voice in Pakistan. We are all poorer today. Weaker. May we have more women like her who stand their ground, who speak loud and clear against oppressors. Rest in power. pic.twitter.com/1lwh83l2ke
— Mahwash Ajaz (@mahwashajaz_) February 11, 2018
However there are some voices which are rejoicing the news of her death
Shame on those people who are making fun of her death and mocking her .. Would you do the same if anyone in your family dies ??? #AsmaJahangir pic.twitter.com/lkjm4JAWUq
— CÀFFĔIÑÀŢËĐ☕ (@Drn00rr) February 11, 2018
Disgusting filth is being spilled against the powerful lady
India lost their prime asset today & Pakistan is blessed to get rid of a traitor…
Daughter of a traitor who helped RAW to break East Pakistan & was for that she was awarded a medal in Bangladesh…
All her life, she fought against Islam, Pakistan & Pak army…
Good riddance…. pic.twitter.com/R6OSXyQez9— Zaid Hamid (@ZaidZamanHamid) February 11, 2018
Some are celebrating the news because they did not approve of her support for liberal values in the country
Asma Jahangir and her criticism of the religious elements in the country promoting extremism is also being interpreted as her lack of faith
Her work as a human rights lawyer is also being challenged. And she is being accused as someone who did it all for the money
Fake Human Rights activist anti Pakistani Indian protege #AsmaJahangir passed away .
Good riddance , burden which was needless on earth removed!It is a lesson to all sold out Beghrat of her like that no Money will avert your natural death .
Still time , improve your aakhirat. pic.twitter.com/iU9P9dz7JC— Mehreen sabtain (@mehreen_sabtain) February 11, 2018
Not the first & certainly not the only one. Countless so-called PTI supporters are coming out of their ratholes to ooze out their petty mentality over such a tragic incident. At least spare the deceased, you dimwits! #AsmaJahangir pic.twitter.com/FR9Ea5YGvt
— Farwa T. Cheema (@FarwaTCheema) February 11, 2018
These reactions prove that the country is still far from achieving the stage where difference of opinion is respected and plurality is not seen as a threat to the state
Be assured….#Pakistan isnt crying
— Amجad Mahمood (@Flyingtastic) February 11, 2018
Teri to maa mer gai ha.
— Neelam raza (@neelam_raza) February 11, 2018
Celebrating the death of someone just because her opinions were not digestible is not okay.
Asma Jahangir had years of experience and a story of commitment and struggle. She has been a constant supporter of voices against power abuse in the country. She was a ray of hope for those fighting for their rights in the country. Of course, not everyone is bound to agree with her ideas but that does not take away her right to express them nor does it prove anything about her loyalty to the nation.
Let us learn to respect individuals and their opinions, as long as they do not cause any harm to anyone.
Asma Jahangir, Renowned Lawyer And Activist, Has Passed Away And Pakistanis Are Mourning