The Punjab Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW) has expressed its grief over the untimely demise of Asma Jahangir, a great mentor and true leader among human rights activists. The PCSW chairperson in a statement on Wednesday said her tireless efforts for upholding human rights and democracy in Pakistan and for the rights of the marginalised worldwide, served as an inspiration for PCSW in its own humble efforts.
Late Asma was a persistent advocate for strong mechanisms for the protection of human rights. Jahangir guided the work of the Commission and her advice was frequently solicited in matters concerning socio-economic and legal empowerment of women in Punjab.
Her contributions to the women's rights movement in Pakistan are numerous; from founding member of the Women's Action Forum, and founding member and Chairperson of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, to setting up and successfully operating AGHS Legal Aid Cell and Dastak shelter for women. She was the first woman to serve as the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association. In the past, Asma also served as the UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Religion or Belief, and Trustee for the International Crisis Group. She was currently serving as the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran.
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