Politicians and human rights activists across the world expressed sorrow over Asma Jahangir’s sudden death.
Asma Jahangir’s sudden death due to cardiac arrest on Sunday, has left the world reeling from the loss of one of its most fearless advocates for human rights. Condolences continue to pour in via social media from all across the globe, that at once celebrate the life and mourn the passing of Pakistan’s ‘Iron Lady.’
Jahangir was the chairperson of the Supreme Court Bar Association in Pakistan, as well being the head of the nation’s Human Rights Commission. She was known for taking a public stand against dictatorship during General Zia-ul Haq reign in 1983, for which she was also imprisoned. She remained a fierce supporter of peace between India and Pakistan during the course of her life and career.
Politicians, human rights activists, public intellectuals and many others took to Twitter to express their grief and reiterate the importance of what she stood for. Here are some of the responses:
Heartbroken that we lost Asma Jahangir – a saviour of democracy and human rights.
I met her a week ago in Oxford. I cannot believe she is no more among us. The best tribute to her is to continue her fight for human rights and democracy. pic.twitter.com/Tf7VOYfvq5
— Malala (@Malala) February 11, 2018
Just heard the devastating news that #Asma Jehangir passed away.She was a friend for who’s values integrity and courage I have the deepest respect. Pakistan has lost its most fearless crusader and the human rights movement its tallest leader. Our deepest condolences to the family
— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) February 11, 2018
Deeply shocked & saddened to hear of #AsmaJahangir. She was a true defender of #HumanRights #Democracy & fought till her last breath against authoritarian power, orthodoxy & discriminatn. She was & will remain an inspiration A huge loss. Condolences to all whose lives she touched pic.twitter.com/FtR6HnFbIf
— Nandita Das (@nanditadas) February 11, 2018
.@asma_jahangir What a brave woman.Pakistan poorer without her.People like Asma are anchors of a society.The brave and dedicated daughter of a brave father.After 3 generations of camaraderie between our families,this is a deep personal loss.God bless her soul
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) February 11, 2018
Democracy, human rights and resistance against oppression lost a great soldier- Asma Jehangir. It’s everyone’s loss. What a sad day!
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) February 11, 2018
Saddened by the passing of @Asma_Jahangir. Though we had not been in touch for some years, i knew her during my @UN days &found her admirably courageous&principled, as well as a marvellously likeable human being. May her convictions&principles live on. https://t.co/A08Sh53s7E
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) February 11, 2018
Asma Jahangir and Hina Jilani’s writings, work and brave fight against the Hudood Ordinances and the barbarity of General Zia ul Haq’s legal legacy remains unparalleled in Pakistan to this day. Condolences to the Jahangir family and the many who were served in that good fight
— fatima bhutto (@fbhutto) February 11, 2018
Aasma Jahangir was a woman of extraordinary determination.Her dedication to justice gave many people of Balochistan hope. A woman who fought patriarchy & non-democratic forces was truly what it takes to be an Iron Lady.Thank you Asma Jahangir. Balochistan is forever in your debt pic.twitter.com/evpQKI9yiG
— Akhtar Mengal (@sakhtarmengal) February 11, 2018
Sad day! Pakistan lost the brave & vocal #AsmaJahangir today. Eminent lawyer & a staunch democracy activist who not only challenged the dictators but also played a vital role in promoting the culture of human rights in Pakistan.
An irreparable loss! pic.twitter.com/ftittir92D
— Naz Baloch (@NazBaloch_) February 11, 2018
Sad day for Pakistan loosing two icons of our time. Both Qazi Wajid and Asma Jahangir you will be missed. May you rest in peace .
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) February 11, 2018
We’re saddened by the death of UN Special Rapporteur @Asma_Jahangir. She was a legendary #humanrights defender: pioneering, determined, calm, courageous — and a lovely human being. https://t.co/ag6e38xItz https://t.co/a10VEmsvMj
— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) February 11, 2018
“Justice is a rare commodity.” Remembering Asma Jahangir, extraordinarily brave human rights defender and winner of the 2014 Right Livelihood Award (@rlafoundation), the progressive Nobel Prize. https://t.co/B21kI3KBAq
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) February 11, 2018
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
Deeply saddened by the news of sudden demise of renowned lawyer and human rights activist Asma Jahangir sahiba. Pakistan has lost a passionate champion of human rights and a staunch supporter of democracy. May her soul rest in peace!
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) February 11, 2018
Shocked to hear @Asma_Jahangir passed away. Huge loss for us, for #Pakistan. She was courageous, fearless, invincible. In absolute disbelief. Please pray for her & her family.
— Bakhtawar B-Zardari (@BakhtawarBZ) February 11, 2018
Saddened by the loss of Asma Jahangir —icon of the struggle for human rights & democracy. Proud of having known her as my lawyer and a family friend. pic.twitter.com/926So2lKlZ
— Husain Haqqani (@husainhaqqani) February 11, 2018