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
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.
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
All quotes →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
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