Asma Jahangir was symbol of resistance who will remain alive forever

ISLAMABAD: Asma Jahangir was the symbol of hope and resistance against dictatorship, oppression and tyranny. She was larger than life, who contributed a lot to our jurisprudence and constitution. Her sudden departure left us all in a state of oblivion. Her dream of equality and her stand for human rights was above any political party line. Asma Jahangir might have died physically, but she will remain alive forever. These were the glowing tributes paid to the legendry and brave woman of Pakistan – Asma Jehangir – by the speakers at a reference held in her memory by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here on Monday. Dr Abid Q Suleri, the SDPI Executive Director, SDPI said that the name of Asama Jahangir was synonym with human rights. “Till her last breadth, Asma fought for the deprived and depressed segments of the society”, he said, adding that her struggle for the rule of law, rights of the downtrodden, laborers, women and other vulnerable groups of the society will be remembered forever. “Without peaceful and just society, sustainable development cannot be achieved and Asma Jahangir was the strong advocate of sustainable development, he maintained. He also announced the ‘Asma Jahangir Award’ in the category of human right activist, which will be given during SDPI’s 21 Sustainable Development Conference (SDC) in December. Sartaj Aziz, the Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission, said that Asma Jahangir was the embodiment of courage and bravery, who valiantly continued her struggle for justice and human rights. “Whenever we feel afraid of speaking the truth, we should keep in mind the struggle of Asma Jagangir to gain courage,” he said, adding that Asma will be remembered forever due to her great struggle and we should follow in her footsteps. He called for establishing Asma Jahangir Foundation for Human Right where like-minded women lawyers and civil society activists should get together to make voice for the marginalized segment of the society. PPP Senator Farhatullah Babar said Asma was a symbol of resistance against tyranny, oppression and dictatorship literally and metaphorically. “Asma Jahangir was the champion of equality, as she would have believed in equality of law and humanity,” he said, adding that Asma’s contribution to society and human rights was of no match, especially in the case of missing persons and her voice will never fade away. Mr Babar said Asma Jillani case was the only case in the history of Pakistan in which a dictator was declared a ‘usurper’, and she fought this case in the court of law when she was only 19-year-old. He further said Asma Jahangir broke social taboos and even in her death funeral, she smashed the taboo of patriarchy. ANP leader Afrasiab Khatak said that Asma Jahangir was the ambassador of peace and love, as she was staunch believer of peace and democracy. “Asma would have believed in peaceful relations with the neighbouring countries especially with India,” he said, adding that no one could stop her way when she came out for the rights of the people in very difficult times. President of Islamabad High Court Bar Association Arif Chaudhry advocate said Asma would have fight for religious intolerance and harmony. “She was not afraid of death rather death would have been afraid of Asma,” he said, adding that she was full of honesty, courage and bravery. Tahira Abdullah, a civil society activist, said that Asma Jahangir was not only the icon of resistance and supportive of marginalized segment of the society but also a personality of high stature. “Asma’s death has created a big vacuum in our society, which could not been filled by anybody,” she said. Kishwar Naheed, a prominent poet, said that the courageous Asma was a voice of the oppressed and would have stood against even the civilian dictatorship. Asma will live forever, she said, adding that we should continue her struggle for a just and peaceful society. Asma Sherazi, Senior Anchor Person, said Asma Jahangir is inspiration for everyone, especially for women, who gave voice to the voiceless in our society. “There can be no match like Asma Jahangir, as she left behind a legacy which no one could meet,” she said, adding that even the worst enemy of her is now compelled to praise her struggle. Published in Daily Times, February 20th 2018.