Asma Jahangir

Asma Jahangir (January 27, 1952 – February 11, 2018) was a renowned Pakistani human rights lawyer, activist, and politician who dedicated her life to defending civil liberties and social justice in Pakistan. Born in Lahore to a progressive family with a strong tradition of public service, she studied law at Punjab University and established herself as a fierce advocate for the marginalized and oppressed. In 1986, she founded the Women's Action Forum to combat gender-based violence, and later co-founded the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, serving as its chairperson. Jahangir was the first woman to serve as President of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan. Throughout her career, she fought against military dictatorships, advocated for the rights of religious minorities, and challenged discriminatory laws, particularly those affecting women and minorities. She was imprisoned multiple times for her activism and received numerous international awards for her work. Her legacy as one of Pakistan's most courageous defenders of human rights continues to inspire activists worldwide.