Renowned Pakistani lawyer, human rights activist and Chairperson, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Asma Jahangir, spoke on, ‘Democracy and Human Rights in Pakistan: A Dead-end?’ at Aga Khan University’s Special Lecture Series (SLS) on August 12, 2009. Jahangir became familiar with law and politics early on, filing her first petition in court at the age of 18. After completing her LLB, Jahangir formed the Women’s Action Forum (WAF) in 1980, which gained prominence in 1983 for initiating protests for, and eventually overturning the death sentence of, Safia Bibi – a young blind woman who was charged with adultery after being gang-raped. Jahangir has spent most of her career defending the rights of women, minorities and children in Pakistan. For her efforts, she received the Sitara-i-Imtiaz in 1995, and American Bar Association International Human Rights Award in 1992, along with numerous other awards to recognise her commitment and service towards human rights. Jahangir has authored two books, Divine Sanction? The Hudood Ordinance (1988) and Children of a Lesser God: Child Prisoners of Pakistan (1992). The talk was followed by a lively question and answer session.
Renowned Pakistani lawyer, human rights activist and Chairperson, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Asma Jahangir, spoke on, ‘Democracy and Human Rights in Pakistan: A Dead-end?’ at Aga Khan University’s Special Lecture Series (SLS) on August 12, 2009. Jahangir became familiar with law and politics early on, filing her first petition in court at the age of 18. After completing her LLB, Jahangir formed the Women’s Action Forum (WAF) in 1980, which gained prominence in 1983 for initiating protests for, and eventually overturning the death sentence of, Safia Bibi – a young blind woman who was charged with adultery after being gang-raped. Jahangir has spent most of her career defending the rights of women, minorities and children in Pakistan. For her efforts, she received the Sitara-i-Imtiaz in 1995, and American Bar Association International Human Rights Award in 1992, along with numerous other awards to recognise her commitment and service towards human rights. Jahangir has authored two books, Divine Sanction? The Hudood Ordinance (1988) and Children of a Lesser God: Child Prisoners of Pakistan (1992). The talk was followed by a lively question and answer session.
