LAHORE: Speakers at a condolence reference for Asma Jahangir paid rich tributes to the towering figure as a champion of human rights and suggested to lobby to secure posthumous Nobel Peace Prize for her monumental efforts to recognise human rights on the global stage.
“Every single person, who loved Asma Jahangir, has to take her legacy forward, while we should dedicate an Asma corner in bar rooms and libraries and the government should declare a major thoroughfare after her name,” they expressed at a condolence reference for Asma Jahangir held under the aegis of South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) Monday.
Sulema Jahangir, her younger daughter said, “My mother was a normal lady but she lived an extraordinary life. She started her practice in law after the birth of two babies. She used to drop us at the school and then spend noon with us. We used to see her dedication towards her clients.
She started her career with a very humble attitude. Sometimes, she had to give the money to her clients so that it could help them. She used to tell us how Pakistan came into being. She even used to spend time with our classmates as well. I am still in that shock because now we don’t know what we have to do.
She was always there for us as a mother and as a grandmother.” She thanked everyone who attended her funeral.
Sheema Kirmani said, “I spoke to her two days before her death and I asked her to participate in the marathon on 8th March. Asma said I cannot say no to you. She was always there for us and supported us in everything.” She gave her a tribute by reading the poem of a Palestinian girl.
Khursheed Mehmood Kasuri said, “She was my dear friend. We used to spend time. Sometimes we agreed on a certain topic and sometime we disagreed, but our friendship remained the same. She fought for democracy and people’s rights. She will always be remembered.”
Imtiaz Alam said, “She was a fighter - a manifesto in her own self. She never shut down her door to anyone. She stood against Martial Law and told the whole world that we are peace-lovers. She consistently fought for the minorities and every needy person. Every NGO should work like Asma and we are inviting them to come with us and become one power.
She used to go to Balochistan and they welcomed her with love and respect. She will always live in our hearts”.
Justice ® Nasira Javed Iqbal said, “She is an inspiration for young lawyers. No one can replace her.
She used to give her logic with such confidence that even her enemies turned to like her. Whenever young female lawyers approached me I used to say go to Asma and ask her to guide you. We have lost our guidance”.
IA Rehman said, “She worked for human rights, and no one can work like her.”
Farooq Tariq said, “I still feel that my phone will ring and she will say let’s do something. She saved me from many problems and difficulties in my life. She was people’s hero and we will never forget her hard work”. Jugnu Mohsin said, “Asma was my friend, my lawyer and my elder sister. She was the biggest pillar of my life. I will miss her always.”
Mona Baig said, “She always used to say that keep your talk limited and to the point. Time is money and we have to do many things for them who cannot do for themselves.” Neelam Hussain said, “She was an institution. I still remember when she fought the case of Safia Bibi and Saima Ropari. She was never afraid of anything.” Many lawyers, journalists and members of civil society paid tribute by reciting poems for Asma Jahangir and prayed for her. The participants passed the following reference to pay their tribute in recognition of great services Asma rendered for the people of Pakistan:
With the untimely death of Asma Jahangir, one of the most distinguished champions of human rights and all the good causes in South Asia, Pakistan has lost a leading combatant for democracy and an uncompromising voice for the oppressed, maltreated and neglected sections of our society.
She consistently represented the principled standpoints of constitutional democrats, human and civil rights activists, defenders of the rights of minorities, feminists, secularists and peace movement across our borders. Never had in her long struggle she had ever compromised on her principles as a campaigner of rights and freedom.
Asma firmly stood her grounds for the rule of law, sovereignty of people, supremacy of parliament, independent judiciary, freedom of expression and media, universal human rights and civil liberties, peace with all neighbours, equality of all citizens, regardless of their faith, gender and ethnicity. She was the staunch supporter of cooperative federalism and firmly supported the voices of oppressed nationalities and smaller provinces.
Asma Jahangir set high standards for the growth of a civilised, humane and tolerant society while rejecting all kinds of prejudices, chauvinisms, hate-mongering, obscurantism, sectarianism, jingoism and all forms of discrimination. She worked hard to build a vibrant civil society and helped to establish various renowned organisations in partnership with most distinguished personalities, such as Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), Woman Action Forum, AGHS, South Asians for Human Rights and brought a balance into lawyers politics.
As an activist she was all over and everywhere. She never retreated in front of adversity, hostility, threats and abuses. She was distinguished for being defiant and trusted as a sincere friend in need.
Asma was recognised world over for her great services to humankind and served in various parts of the world as UN Rapporteur. She was a true patriot and served this country more than anybody else as a people's ambassador for peace, harmony and tranquillity.
This session of civil society of Lahore expressed its gratitude for valuable services she rendered for the benefit of the people of Pakistan and hoped her missions would be carried forward by her partners and younger generation with greater zeal and understanding.
