QuoteProject
The interaction between human rights campaigners from Pakistan and India was a big taboo in the 1980s. When we started traveling to India to increase people-to-people contact between the two nations, we knew that we would face serious repercussions back home.
Asma Jahangir
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the bravery required to challenge societal taboos around human rights discussions between Pakistan and India.

Asma Jahangir reflects on the significant social and political challenges faced by human rights activists when attempting to bridge the divide between Pakistan and India in a period marked by hostility and prejudice. Their initiative to foster dialogue and connections across borders was not only a courageous endeavor but also a necessary step towards human rights advocacy, despite knowing the potential backlash they might face in their home countries.

Themes

Human RightsCourageActivismPakistanIndiaTabooDialogue

In practice

Example use cases

During a conference on international relations, one might quote Asma Jahangir to underscore the importance of dialogue in conflict resolution.

More from 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.
Asma JahangirRead
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 JahangirRead
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 JahangirRead
In 1986, Pakistan got the blasphemy law. So, while we had just two cases of blasphemy before that year, now we have thousands. It shows that one should be careful while bringing religion into legislation, because the law itself can become an instrument of persecution.
Asma JahangirRead
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.
Asma JahangirRead
Duplicity in matters of religion is not confined to Pakistan, but it hurts the most in societies where debate on religion is asphyxiated and preachers of hate have become keepers of faith.
Asma JahangirRead

Similar quotes

My friend Kurt Maix once described this diffidence as Fear's friendly sister, the right and necessary counterweight to that courage that urges men skyward, and protects them from self-destruction.
Heinrich HarrerRead
The end of violence or the aftermath of violence is bitterness. The aftermath of nonviolence is reconciliation and the creation of a beloved community. A boycott is never an end within itself. It is merely a means to awaken a sense of shame within the oppressor but the end is reconciliation, the end is redemption.
Martin Luther King, Jr.Read
We might not be back. I might be in jail. I might be anywhere. But when I leave, you'll remember I said, with the last words on my lips, that I am a revolutionary. And you're going to have to keep on saying that. You're going to have to say that I am a proletariat; I am the people.
Fred HamptonRead
Black Girl Magic means that I have the power to overcome anything. Especially when we're in a world where you're told that you can't do something or you're less than, I'm reminded that my ancestors have overcome so much. There's still so much work to be done, and I have the power to overcome it.
Michelle CarterRead
Looking back now, I realise that belonging to the family of a labourer actually helped to prepare my body for boxing. There were many times when my family didn't have enough food or warm clothing to go around. All this made me physically, as well as emotionally, tough.
Mary KomRead
...as your father, my instinct is to protect you ... Other people will want to protect you too. But remember that you are not a damsel in distress, waiting for some prince to rescue you. Forget the prince. With your brain and your resourcefulness, you can rescue yourself.
Brad MeltzerRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.