CJM , Lahore pays tribute
to one of its most renowned,
brave
and daring human rights activist,
ASMA JEHANGIR
CJM Class of 1966
Addressing the UN as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief
Asma Jillani ( in CJM Lahore)
Asma Jilllani, Class of 1966 (1st from left) With Sr Berchmans and the Council
Asma Jahangir, a prominent
human rights lawyer, social activist and a pro democracy activist of Pakistan
was a beacon of hope for Pakistanis who hope for a peaceful, progressive and
secular Pakistan as she devoted her whole life for speaking up for the rights
of underprivileged and always challenged the status quo, a beacon of hope in
the patriarchal Pakistani society who stood for women empowerment.
Born in Lahore on the
27th of January 1952, Asma completed her schooling from the distinguished
Convent of Jesus and Mary and later she went to Kinnaird College and did her
Bachelor’s. After that Asma went on to did her LLB from Punjab University
Lahore and in 1980 she joined Lahore High court and Supreme Court of Pakistan
two years later.
Acclaimed by many as
Pakistan’s Iron Lady, Asma’s struggle started when her father was arrested by
the dictator, Gen. Yahya Khan. A young law student, she fought the case against
dictatorship and for the first time the courts declared the army rule as unlawful.
When the military dictatorship of Zia ul Haq was at its peak, Asma participated
in the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy in the same year, Asma
Jahangir was imprisoned by the then dictator but even that couldn’t silence her.
Asma Jahangir was considered as the focal point of the successful 2007’s
Lawyers Movement against another military dictator, Pervez Musharraf.
Her whole life, Asma
stressed on peace between India and Pakistan.
Among the many
international awards she received the prestigious ‘Martin Ennals Award for
Human Rights Defenders’ and ‘Ramon Magsaysay Award’ in 1995, she later received
the 2010 Freedom Award from the International Rescue Committee. It is
pertinent here to mention that Asma Jahangir was nominated for the highly
acclaimed and prestigious Nobel Peace Prize Award. Not just
internationally but Nationally, Asma Jahangir was recognized for her efforts as
she was bestowed with Hilal-e-Imtiaz and later Sitar-e-Imtiaz in 2010, the
highest civilian award in Pakistan.
She is survived by
three children, two daughters and one son. One of her daughter Munizae Jahangir
(CJM Class of 1993) is a journalist while the other one Sulema Jahangir (CJM Class
of 1994) is also a successful lawyer.
Her sister Hina Jilani ( CJM Class of 1966) is also a prominent Human Rights
Activist and a lawyer.
Lets us pray for the departed soul and for the family to have the
strength to bear the loss. Let us pray for our country that lost one of its best.
Asma Jehangir RIP
A special assembly
A time for a special prayer and a minute's silence
Flag at half-mast