Farewell, Asma Jahangir

Sunday (Feb 11) brought sad news to the Pakistani people: the sudden death of activist and lawyer Asma Jahangir. The entire nation has lost a brave person who spent her life fighting for the right. For her unparalleled work, she received France’s highest civilian award in 2011.

She was courageous and fought for minority communities and the underprivileged. The world will remember her for her struggle for democracy. The void created by the death of Asma can never be filled.

Javaid Bashir

Lahore

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The demise of Asma Jahangir has robbed the country of its prime defender of human rights.

The brave daughter of our nation will be remembered for ever.

Dr Pervez Iqbal Khan Tareen

Haripur

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Asma Jahangir was among those lawyers who strongly believed in the social commitment of the profession. She believed that when fundamental principles of fairness and equal justice through the rule of law are shaken, the cornerstones of society and democracy are threatened.

She was a supporter of the oppressed, including women, children, teenagers, the homeless, minority groups, the unemployed and victims of social injustice. The best way to pay tribute to this legendary figure is to establish a university called ‘The Asma Jahangir University of Law and Human Rights.’

Hashim Abro

Islamabad

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This refers to the editorial ‘Asma Jahangir’ (Feb 12). It is difficult to summarise her fight for the right in a few pages. Her courageous stance against tyranny and fanaticism was recognised internationally.

She was the beacon of hope for hundreds of oppressed women. Her death has silenced the brave voice of our country.

Dr Najeeb A Khan

Islambad