‘Life threats to Asma curb on freedom’

The Joint Action Committee for People’s Rights has raised deep concerns over threats to noted human rights worker Asma Jahangir. “Life threats to Asma Jahangir are curbs on all those voices that are being raised for the rule of law, constitution, justice, peace and democracy in Pakistan, which is a cowardice way to oppress the truth, but such tactics could not be allowed and will be dealt boldly,” said the speaker of the moot held at Aiwan-e-Iqbal on Friday. People from different sectors of civil society, including IA Rehman, Imtiaz Alam, Khaled Ahmad, Roubeena Sahgal and Farooq Tariq, spoke on the occasion. The speakers condemned the threats to the human rights activist and former president of Supreme Court Bar Association, Asma Jahangir. On the occasion, they said such malpractices must be stopped and all the institutions must function within their limits. They questioned whether it was a crime if Asma raised her voice for people’s sufferings or talked about democracy, peace and justice. Demanding probe into the very threats and publicising the findings of the factors involved, the speakers also highlighted the various aspects of the struggle and activism of Asma Jahangir for the past four decades. A protest rally was also organised at the end of the meeting. It is pertinent to mention here that Asma Jahangir has been receiving life threats recently over some of her views in favour of democracy and real freedom of judiciary.