Hundreds of people attend Asma’s Qul

LAHORE:Hundreds of people from different walks of life attended the Qul of Asma Jehangir at her residence here on Wednesday.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited the bereaved family and offered his condolences. He said: “Every person is deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Ms Asma Jehangir, a great mentor and true leader among human right activists in Pakistan. Her tireless efforts for upholding human rights and democracy in Pakistan and for the rights of the marginalised worldwide, served as an inspiration.”

Sardar Ayyaz Sadiq, Syeda Abida Hussain, Saleema Hashmi, IA Rehman, Fouzia Vaqar, Deep Syeda, Reema Taseer, Nasim Zehra, film star Laila, Nusrat Jamil and hundreds of people from different walks of life showed up at her place.

Munizae Jahangir said: “She was an extraordinary mother. She always followed her principles. People do not understand her ideologies and we completely understand this. There were many controversies related to her funeral but people love my mother from the core of their heart. She always stood for the rights and freedom of expression of ordinary people. She did not underestimate the power of an ordinary man. She always encouraged everyone to speak their heart out. She used to cook for me and my classmates. She was very spontaneous mother. She used to discuss every matter with us. I have always spoken to her about every single thing in my life. I could not believe that she is not with us anymore.”

Sulema Jahangir said: “She was the inspiration to all. Every person is coming to us and telling us about our mother. She helped a lot of people when they needed legal guidance. It is a privilege for us to take her legacy forward.”

Jillani Jahangir said: “My mother was always there for me. Whenever I got stuck in my life she was there to guide me. I always follow her and her stance and not a single time I face regret by following her.”

Hina Jillani said: “There are a lot of people who can work for human rights after her. But no one could take her place. I have lost my sister but many other have lost their inspiration. She was always on the go. We have done many projects together in her lead. She has left a part of her in every woman. Whenever women will need the power to speak up for their rights, Asma’s strength will accompany them.”

Chairperson, Punjab Commission on Status of Women, Fouzia Vaqar said that this is a huge loss. There is no one who can replace her. She always worked for women’s right. Her contributions to the women's rights movement in Pakistan are numerous; from founding member of the Women's Action Forum, and founding member and Chairperson of HRCP, to setting up and successfully operating AGHS Legal Aid Cell and Dastak shelter for women. She was the first woman to serve as the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association. Ms Jahangir guided the work of the Commission and her advice was frequently solicited in matters concerning socio-economic and legal empowerment of women in Punjab.

Our correspondent adds: Kinnaird College Principal Dr Rukhsana David, deans, teachers and students Wednesday expressed sorrow over demise of social activist and Kinnaird College alumni Asma Jahangir.

While acknowledging Asma’s services, Dr Rukhsana said she was a student of Kinnaird in 1978. She took part in both academics and extra-curricular activities. She was an educated and courageous woman who raised voice on social issues. “She will be remembered for her role in restoration of judiciary in Pakistan,: Rukhsana said. Kinnaird College staff and students prayed for her eternal peace.