Barrister Qazi Naveed Ahmed

Asma Jilani Jahangir was a prominent Pakistani human rights lawyer and social activist born on January 27 1952 and passed on February 11 2018. She played a significant role in co-founding and leading the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the AGHS Legal Aid Cell. Jahangir also made a mark in the Lawyers’ Movement and served as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, as well as a trustee at the International Crisis Group.

Asma Jilani Jahangir, a native of Lahore, began her journey towards becoming a human rights champion at the Convent of Jesus and Mary. She furthered her education at Kinnaird College, earning a B.A., and then at Punjab University Law College, where she obtained her LLB in 1978. Her legal career took off when she joined Barrister Ijaz Hussain Batalvi’s chamber and was admitted to the Lahore High Court in 1980, followed by the Supreme Court in 1982. Her early involvement in democracy activism led to her imprisonment in 1983 for her participation in the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy against the military regime of Zia-ul-Haq.

In 1987, she co-founded the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and took on the role of Secretary-General, later becoming the commission’s chairperson in 1993. Jahangir was also notably placed under house arrest in November 2007 after the government imposed an emergency. In addition, she served as the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association and co-chaired the South Asia Forum for Human Rights while also holding the position of vice president of the International Federation for Human Rights.

Jahangir’s tireless efforts in the field of human rights were not only acknowledged in Pakistan but also on the international stage. She was honoured with several prestigious awards, including the Right Livelihood Award in 2014, the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2005, and the UNESCO/Bilbao Prize for the Promotion of a Culture of Human Rights. Her posthumous recognition with the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s highest civilian honour, on March 23 2018, further solidified her status as a global human rights icon.

Her activism spanned various areas, focusing on defending human and women’s rights as well as the rights of religious minorities and children in Pakistan. She was a vocal critic of the Hudood Ordinance and other Islamic laws of Pakistan, actively opposing discriminatory legislation and advocating for a counter-narrative of liberal politics to challenge religious intolerance. However, her stance brought a lot of controversy and criticism from the rightest communities.

Jahangir’s legacy is a testament to her unwavering dedication to advocating for justice and human rights, both within Pakistan and on the international stage. She was a figure both admired and criticized for her fearless dedication. Throughout her career, she faced wild, unsubstantiated allegations and backlash, with some branding her as a traitor and an American agent attempting to malign Pakistan and destroy the country’s social and political fabric in the name of women’s rights and the rights of non-Muslims. Despite this, Jahangir’s legal style was characterized by calculated aggression, wit, and sharp one-liners, and she consistently stood up for the rights of marginalized individuals and communities.

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For nearly four decades, Jahangir fought tirelessly for the rights of the oppressed, often putting herself in harm’s way. Her unwavering commitment to championing the causes of battered wives, teenagers on death row, individuals accused of defilement, and victims of honour killings earned her both admirers and enemies. Despite facing strong criticism, particularly from conservative and nationalist voices, Jahangir’s courage and determination in the face of adversity earned her the title of the ‘gutsiest woman in Pakistan’ from some.

Jahangir’s activism often put her in dangerous situations, as she and her family faced numerous threats, attacks, and hostility due to her unwavering dedication to human rights work. Her representation of individuals, such as a 14-year-old Christian boy accused of sacrilege and Saima Sarwar, who was the victim of an honour killing, resulted in death threats and violent opposition. Even when tensions boiled over during a symbolic mixed-gender marathon in Lahore, where she sought to raise awareness about violence against women, Jahangir faced extreme hostility and physical assault.

Despite facing relentless opposition and criticism, Jahangir continued her battle for justice. Her legacy lives on through the Asma Jahangir Conference, an international event held in Lahore, organized by her law firm AGHS Legal Aid Cell. This two-day event stands as one of the largest human rights and law conferences in South Asia, attracting lawmakers, members of the judiciary, civil society organizations, and human rights activists from across the region.

Aside from her activism, Jahangir was a prolific author, having written several publications and two books: “Divine Sanction? The Hudood Ordinance” and “Children of a Lesser God: Child Prisoners of Pakistan.” Her contributions were recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders and the Ramon Magsaysay Award for “greatness of spirit shown in service of the people.”

On February 11, 2018, Jahangir suffered a stroke leading to a brain hemorrhage and passed away in Lahore. Her remarkable contributions to human rights were posthumously recognized as she was awarded Pakistan’s highest civilian honor, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, and the United Nations Human Rights Award for her immense contributions to promoting and protecting human rights globally. Despite facing immense adversity, Jahangir’s legacy as a fearless advocate for justice and human rights continues to inspire countless individuals around the world.

Asma Jahangir was a courageous advocate for human rights and her sudden passing has left a significant void in the fight for justice. Throughout her life, she fearlessly stood up for the rights of the marginalized, often at great personal risk. Her unwavering commitment to defending the rights of women, children, bonded laborers, religious minorities, journalists, and the disappeared has left an indelible mark on Pakistan and beyond.

From her groundbreaking efforts as a young schoolgirl protesting for her father’s release to her relentless work as a lawyer championing the causes of those facing persecution, Asma Jahangir exemplified unwavering dedication and bravery. As a co-founder of Pakistan’s first all-women legal firm and a leader of the Women’s Action Forum, she continuously confronted discriminatory laws and fought against injustices, even in the face of violent opposition.

Her pivotal role in establishing the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan showcased her unwavering commitment to promoting human rights, and her exceptional legal prowess was demonstrated in her successful defense of individuals facing unjust persecution, despite threats and intimidation.

Furthermore, her resilience in the face of violence and threats, her landmark advocacy work against enforced disappearances, and her significant contributions as a UN Special Rapporteur underscore Asma Jahangir’s enduring legacy as a global human rights icon. Her legacy must be honored by continuing to amplify the voices of those who are silenced and oppressed.