Raza Rumi remembers Asma Jahangir on her first death anniversary.
Transcript:
- One year has passed since Asma Jahangir left us
- And see how time flies
- There wouldn’t be a human rights activist
- as brave and fearless as her
- in entire world, let alone Pakistan
- Today, the state Pakistan is in, the dangers democracy faces,
- restrictions on the freedom of speech being imposed,
- it makes us miss Asma Jahangir even more
- It is a grave tragedy that all of us,
- the citizens, political parties, media, lawyers, civil rights organizations
- had handed our responsibilities to Asma Jahangir
- and that is why we don’t have such a central figure
- on the scene today in Pakistan
- Take a look at the facts from the last few months,
- whether it was murder of SP Dawar,
- who was kidnapped from Islamabad, then taken to Afghanistan,
- the murder of Arman Loni in Loralai,
- or abductions of other journalists, arrest of Ammar Ali Jan,
- we’re always left wondering what Asma would’ve said
- had she been among us today
- Also, when excesses were being committed by the judiciary,
- like dam fund, or interference in other things,
- we all thought Asma would’ve said something about this
- I believe it’s a void that is really difficult to fill
- But we must not lose hope
- There are hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis,
- citizens, political workers, raising their voices,
- fighting the war for human rights
- Today we have to think what’s the legacy of Asma Jahangir
- I think there are three most important aspects to it
- Firstly, we must raise voice against every injustice
- and every violation of human rights
- no matter where we are, on Facebook, Twitter,
- writing in some newspaper or as a common citizen,
- don’t close your eyes on injustice
- Secondly, only raising your voice isn’t enough
- We need to build institutions,
- like Human Rights Commission of Pakistan
- or AGHS legal aid cell,
- so building institutions and networks is vital
- Third is solidarity
- This is not one person’s or one group’s job
- All of us have to move forward together,
- political parties, media, civil rights groups etc,
- Unless we move forward in alliances,
- we won’t be able to ensure human rights,
- democracy and peace in Pakistan
- So let’s reaffirm our promise today that we shall be
- part of the mission for which Asma Jahangir
- led her entire life
- and we will take it forward