Asma Jahangir No More, Tributes Pour In

Lahore: Pakistan based Human Rights activist and lawyer Asma Jahangir passed away following a cardiac arrest. She was 66.

A vocal critic, Asma championed the cause of women’s rights. She had co-founded the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.

The last rites of the activists will be held on Tuesday outside the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Tributes started pouring in, as soon as the news of her death broke.

“Deeply shocked & saddened to hear of Asma Jahangir. She was a true defender of Human Rights, Democracy & fought till her last breath against authoritarian power, orthodoxy & discrimination. She was & will remain an inspiration. A huge loss. Condolences to all whose lives she touched,” wrote actor-director Nandita Das on twitter.

“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,” Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousufzai tweeted.

“Asma Jahangir, undoubtedly the bravest and the most resilient fighter for human rights who had the courage to face the wrath of the dictators and the fury of the fundamentalist Mulla has passed away. It is the loss of the whole Sub Continent,” tweeted lyricist Javed Akhtar.