South Asians for Human Rights ( SAHR), a regional network of human rights defenders, is deeply saddened at the passing away of Asma Jahangir. Asma was a senior advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, a founding member of SAHR, and its current Spokesperson and bureau member. As a remarkably vocal human rights advocate, her contribution at regional and global level is immense.
Asma Jahangir was a former chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and President of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan. She held the UN mandate as Special Rapporteur on Extra Judicial Killings from 1998 to 2004 and Freedom of Religion or Belief from 2004 to 2010. At the time of her demise she was a board member of International Crisis Group and UN Special Rapporteur of Human Rights in Iran.
SAHR offers its deepest condolences to Asma’s family at this difficult time. Her sudden demise is a irreplaceable loss not only to SAHR but to her fellow human rights comrades in Pakistan, South Asia and the world.
On behalf of the members of South Asians for Human Rights
Sultana Kamal
Chairperson
Mohamed Latheef
Co-chairperson