One example that has hurt me is that of Aung San …– Asma Jahangir
One example that has hurt me is that of Aung San Suu Kyi. I admire her a lot, but her unwillingness to protect the Rohingiya Muslims shows how intolerance has seeped into politics and the level at which it has seeped. It immobilises politicians.
Crime takes place in every country…– Asma Jahangir
Crime takes place in every country. But it becomes abuse when the state is unwilling and unable to protect the life and honour of its citizens.
Every religion curbs women rights to some extent…– Asma Jahangir
Every religion curbs women rights to some extent. Some countries acted against religions and put a ban on wearing hijab, which was also a violation of human rights.
Agencies must know who they are accountable to…– Asma Jahangir
Agencies must know who they are accountable to. If the agencies know who they are accountable to but we cannot say who they are accountable to, then really it is a very sad situation that is bound to be misused. It is bound to affect human rights.
It is not easy for the courts to control the …– Asma Jahangir
It is not easy for the courts to control the intelligence agencies. There has to be concerted and coordinated effort on part of the courts, the parliament, and the government.
The Army is into every business in this country…– Asma Jahangir
The Army is into every business in this country. Except hairdressing.
I’m not fearful for myself…– Asma Jahangir
I’m not fearful for myself, because I’ve seen adversity, and I can see it again. But I feel very upset and anguished when I see images of young lawyers beaten up.
Look at the world, all the suffering…– Asma Jahangir
Look at the world, all the suffering… Being under house arrest is the least I can sacrifice.
The Musharraf government has declared martial law …– Asma Jahangir
The Musharraf government has declared martial law to settle scores with lawyers and judges. Hundreds of innocent Pakistanis have been rounded up. Human rights activists, including women and senior citizens, have been beaten by police. Judges have been arrested and lawyers battered in their offices and the streets.
General Zia-ul-Haq, a dictator and unscrupulous …– Asma Jahangir
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.