don’t care – I just feel that when the time comes, you have to go.” She made her point strongly: that ideas outlive individuals. Sabeen Mahmud represented, and in death continues to represent, a fearless section of Pakistani society. I met her friends recently who organised a silent vigil to honour her memory and work. Tears were shed but one could clearly sense their commitment to carry on her legacy – the legacy of a peaceful Pakistan where everyone has a right to speak their mind, and where people respect each other’s thoughts and ideas. Sabeen Mahmud sought to explore solutions by promoting wider social engagement. Her centre was open for everyone. She was open for a discussion with anyone (even with those who threatened her life). Kamila Shamsi described this unique feature of her personality: “She didn’t judge those who were less than her and she took people on their own merits.” We are certainly an unfortunate society: where people are targeted and killed for having a point of view; their faith judged if they speak up for the rights of minority faith groups; and their loyalty to their country questioned if they stand up against statesanctioned human rights abuses instead of taking the easy route of silence. No state institution should be beyond the law. And every citizen has the right to debate socio-political issues to explore lasting solutions. Ideally, the government should protect activists like Sabeen Mahmud, who represent a Pakistan modelled on the dreams of its founding fathers. A Pakistan where citizens feel safe and protected irrespective of their beliefs. Where people stand against injustices without fear of violent consequences. Indeed, Pakistan is a strange country, because you will not find brave women like Sabeen Mahmud in every town or city. Individuals who stand up against the brutal elements of our society. Who believe that hate can be countered by love and who value human rights above all else. Sabeen is no longer amongst us. But through her own tragedy, she succeeded in raising a wider debate on a very important human rights issue. The writer is a human rights activist and works for an interfaith and conflict resolution organisation in London called Faith Matters. He tweets at rehmananwer