Lahore                                                                                                                                                                                                    11 Feb. 2018

A Pakistan’s senior lawyer, world renowned social activist, a daring women’s rights vocal and a controversial personality in home country, Asma Jahangir, 66, passed away due to cardiac arrest.

She has been President of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (1987-2011) and President of Pakistan Supreme Court Bar Association (2010-12).

She was recipient of Pakistan’s highest civil award Hilal-e-Pakistan and awards from France and Sweden on her works in human rights field.

She played strong role during Lawyers Movement in restoring judiciary during General Pervez Musharaf tenure.

In present internal political situation in Pakistan, she was of the opinion that Supreme Court of Pakistan should not involve itself in political questions.

She has been a staunch critic on former President General Zia ul Haq policies specially in regards to implementation of religious laws in Pakistan.

A graduate from Convent of Jesus and Mary School, Lahore and Kinnard College, Lahore was born in January 1952 in Lahore. She obtained her Law Degree from University of Punjab in 1978.

President of Pakistan, Mamnoon Hussain has paid tribute to Asma Jahangir and expressed his grief on her demise.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi while sending his tributes said that her death was a great loss for the legal fraternity.

Shahbaz Sharif, younger brother of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister of Pakistan’s largest populated province of Punjab expressed his views by tweeting that ‘ he was deeply saddened at the news’.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai regarded Asma Jahangir a ‘saviour of democracy and human rights’.

NDTV, Indian media reported that ‘the Indian film industry today mourned the death of Pakistan’s renowned human rights lawyer and social activist, Asma Jahangir.  Personalities including screenwriter-lyricist Javed Akhtar, actor Shabana Azmi, filmmakers Mahesh Bhatt and Nandita Das offered their last tributes to the fearless activist’.