There have always been difficult situations for activists in Pakistan. In the 1960s, people fought for linguistic and ethnic rights in relation to the Bangladesh movement and the struggle of the people in the western Balochistan province. Asma Jahangir More Quotes by Asma Jahangir More Quotes From Asma Jahangir The United Nations is an organizational body where people, through their Governments, come together; and it can be the only place where there can be a melting pot. Asma Jahangir government together people When there is oppression and dictatorship, by not speaking out, we lose our dignity. Asma Jahangir lose oppression dignity dictatorship Terrorism does not disappear with revenge tactics but through making justice and equality before law a reality. Asma Jahangir equality terrorism revenge justice I have protection. I have police protection. I have personal bodyguards. I have three sets of them. But believe me, this is really psychological for the family. If they want to get me, they can get me. And every time that I have been saved, it's been by coincidence. Asma Jahangir me family time believe In bonded labour cases, judges would ask me why I had brought those people to the courts who stank. 'You are here precisely for them,' I would respond. Asma Jahangir judges me you people Terrorism and religious extremism are huge challenges. They go hand in glove. Asma Jahangir hand go terrorism challenges The world has to have zero tolerance for naked dictatorship. Asma Jahangir tolerance naked dictatorship world Even when we talked about child labor, we were frowned upon. But then you know that you have to speak the truth irrespective of the repercussions. Asma Jahangir child you speak truth General Zia-ul-Haq, a dictator and unscrupulous political actor, used Islam as a pretext for waging war in Afghanistan and adopting an aggressive stance towards India. By advancing a more orthodox version of Islam, he was able to hold on to a repressive regime and quell any opposition. Asma Jahangir islam india political war We are so resilient as a people. I have so much respect for their dignity and courage. I hope the world sees this side of Pakistan, one where professionals want a democracy. The spirit of our intelligentsia cannot be broken. Asma Jahangir respect democracy hope courage I am certainly not a martyr kind of a person. I love my life. But if one has to, then there is nothing more nobler a cause that I can think of. Asma Jahangir i-am my-life love life Everything is a risk in Pakistan: If you defend women, it's a risk. If you defend non-Muslims it's a risk. If you discuss religion, it's a risk. But you can't really sit there like a vegetable in your own society. And I'm committed to that society... and I feel I need to turn around and speak as I should. Asma Jahangir you women society religion There was a time that human rights was not even an issue in this country. Then prisoners' rights became an issue. Asma Jahangir human human-rights time country If state protects the rights of people, they start respecting the state. Asma Jahangir state start rights people I am so proud of Pakistanis and specifically of our lawyers for speaking out and getting their heads bashed in for a better Pakistan. Asma Jahangir lawyers i-am better proud The way my father worked altruistically and the manner in which he used to go behind bars and come back home smilingly was inspirational. Asma Jahangir home inspirational father way The Army is into every business in this country. Except hairdressing. Asma Jahangir except army business country I think I have lived enough in this country where I can say what I think is true and which is the voice of my conscience. Asma Jahangir think i-can voice country I cannot bear to live where there is so much injustice and I cannot do something about it. What kind of a torturous life is that? Asma Jahangir live something injustice life I would simply not compromise on the fundamental rights of people. Asma Jahangir simply compromise rights people
