Asma Jahangir Quotes

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Asma Jahangir

Profession : Activist

Birth : January 27, 1952

I would simply not compromise on the fundamental rights of people.

Asma Jahangir

Even when we talked about child labor, we were frowned upon. But then you know that you have to speak the truth irrespective of the repercussions.

Asma Jahangir

I don't need a certificate of my patriotism from those in the establishment.

Asma Jahangir

General Zia-ul-Haq, a dictator and unscrupulous political actor, used Islam as a pretext for waging war in Afghanistan and adopting an aggressive stance towards India. By advancing a more orthodox version of Islam, he was able to hold on to a repressive regime and quell any opposition.

Asma Jahangir

It is not easy for the courts to control the intelligence agencies. There has to be concerted and coordinated effort on part of the courts, the parliament, and the government.

Asma Jahangir

I have protection. I have police protection. I have personal bodyguards. I have three sets of them. But believe me, this is really psychological for the family. If they want to get me, they can get me. And every time that I have been saved, it's been by coincidence.

Asma Jahangir

We never learnt the right lessons. We never went to the root of the problem. Once you start politicising religion, you play with fire and get burnt as well. Another lesson we did not learn is that Muslims are not homogenous.

Asma Jahangir

If your people don't really believe or respect you, if you don't have the moral authority to rule, then your goose is cooked.

Asma Jahangir

Religiosity is suffocating in Pakistan. It invariably stokes the fire in driving society to religious extremism.

Asma Jahangir

The Musharraf government has declared martial law to settle scores with lawyers and judges. Hundreds of innocent Pakistanis have been rounded up. Human rights activists, including women and senior citizens, have been beaten by police. Judges have been arrested and lawyers battered in their offices and the streets.

Asma Jahangir

As a lawyer, many a time I took up difficult and sensitive cases dealing with minorities' and women's rights. Yes, I constantly receive threats, and to be very honest, at times it is very scary. But I have to continue my work.

Asma Jahangir

There was a time that human rights was not even an issue in this country. Then prisoners' rights became an issue.

Asma Jahangir

One example that has hurt me is that of Aung San Suu Kyi. I admire her a lot, but her unwillingness to protect the Rohingiya Muslims shows how intolerance has seeped into politics and the level at which it has seeped. It immobilises politicians.

Asma Jahangir

Organized groups claiming roots in religious ideologies have unleashed an all-pervasive fear of mob violence in many parts of the country.

Asma Jahangir

We may fight terrorism through brute force, but the terror that is unleashed in the name of religion can only be challenged through moral courage.

Asma Jahangir

I suppose anyone who calls a dictator a dictator is 'dangerous' and 'imbalanced.'

Asma Jahangir

I have no illusions about our elected politicians. Pakistani democracy is anything but perfect.

Asma Jahangir

Duplicity in matters of religion is not confined to Pakistan, but it hurts the most in societies where debate on religion is asphyxiated and preachers of hate have become keepers of faith.

Asma Jahangir

A woman's whole life is spent making chicken curry while her husband works. Then, any time he likes, he can kick her out.

Asma Jahangir

Every fair-minded person holding a position of authority must support the few who have stood up against the injustice being perpetrated in the name of blasphemy.

Asma Jahangir