Pak’s leading Rights Activist Asma Jahangir dead. Indian Rights Activists express their condolences at death of Asma Jehangir

As news of the death of Pakistan’s leading human rights lawyer is reaching across the world, waves of shock and disbelief have taken over across the border where like-minded people and even her admirers have expressed deepest condolences at her sudden death.

Indian actress and social activist, Shabana Azmi has commented, “Just heard the devastating news that Asma Jehangir has passed away. She was a friend for whose values, integrity and courage I have the deepest respect. Pakistan has lost its most fearless crusader and the human right movement, its tallest leader. Our deepest condolences to the family.”

Noted author and Women’s Rights activist nor Zaheer expressed her deepest condolences as she announced the death of Jehangir on Facebook through a post. As news has spread of the death of Pakistani Human Rights activist Asma Jehangir of cardiac arrest, a wave of shock, disbelief and messages of condolences are pouring in from all over India at her sudden demise.

Known for her outspoken nature and unrelenting pursuit for human rights, Asma, 66, was the first woman to serve as the President of Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan.

Rights activist Shabnam Hashmi has written, “#AsmaJehangir no more. Devastating news. One woman who stood up against so much tyranny. No words to express my sorrow.”

Syed Ali Rizvi, an entrepreneur, President of Old Martinian Association of New England, himself a believer in human rights, remarked

“I am extremely saddened to hear of the death of Asma Jehangir. She was a very strong and courageous human rights activist. A lawyer by profession, she championed the cause of women, the rights of non-muslims in Pakistan and extensively protested for non-interference of the military in government. There are some who are remembered for a long time after they are gone for their good work that has impacted the lives of so many. Asma Jehangir was one such person..The void left by her will be hard to fill.”

Reacting to the new of her death, Editor of Urdu Inquilaab, Shakeel Hasan Shamsi has said, ”Pakistan has not been able to give Asma Jehangir her due. She was a most courageous social worker and human rights activist. It will be difficult for another woman with such a liberated mind and evolved sense of justice to emerge from a nation with such a narrow perspective on Rights issues like Pakistan. I pray for peace for the departed soul and that she may find a place in Heaven above.”

The news of her death was broken by Asma’s daughter : “I am devastated @ loss of my mother Asma Jahangir. We shall B announcing the date of funeral soon. We R waiting 4 our relatives 2 return 2 Lahore,” her daughter Muneezay Jehangir said in a tweet.

“Asma suffered heart attack today morning and she was rushed to Hameed Latif Hospital Lahore where she breathed her last. Doctors tried to save her life but couldn’t,” said senior lawyer Adeel Raja.