Geneva [Switzerland]: Activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Tuesday paid tributes to Asma Jahangir, Pakistan Human Rights Commission co-founder and an advocate who fought for the rights of oppressed people in the South Asian nation.
One minute silence was observed to pay tributes to Jahangir, who died of heart attack on February 11 in Lahore at the age of 66.
Speaking at “Human Rights in South Asia” session during the 37th Session of UN Human Rights Council here, Chairman of International Human Rights Council in Hong Kong, Naveed Basheer, said: “Pakistan has lost a great woman who fought for the rights of people, especially downtrodden masses.”
“Her death represents a major loss to the human rights struggle in Pakistan, where enforced disappearances, violence against women and children, persecution of religious minorities, journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders, and violation of international law are widespread,” said Isabela Favero, a research analyst at European Foundation for South Asian Studies.
“In 2013, leaked ‘official’ documents suggested that some intelligence officers had devised plans to kill Asma Jahangir for her critical statements against the country’s powerful military,” she added.
During the event, political activists from PoK also raised the concern of human rights violation.
“The Kashmir Council and Ministry of Kashmir Affairs rule PoK. Whereas the indigenous political parties have no right,” said Ghulam Hussain, Labour Councillor United Kingdom and political activist from PoK.
Shabir Choudhry, Director of Institute of Kashmir Affairs in London, said: “Asma Jahangir worked for hundreds of missing persons. She was also accused of being a traitor and asked to leave the country. But, she never bent against those threats.”
Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Secretary General of Jammu Kashmir International People’s Alliance (JKIPA), said: “Asma Jahangir is not only a popular name in Pakistan but many other countries too.”(ANI)