Top 75 Quotes & Sayings by Asma Jahangir
Explore popular quotes and sayings by a Pakistani activist Asma Jahangir.
Last updated on December 21, 2024.
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.
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.
The state has not only the obligation to stay neutral in matters of religion but also to ensure that freedom of thought and conscience of all individuals is protected.
Religiosity is suffocating in Pakistan. It invariably stokes the fire in driving society to religious extremism.
We have the tendency of over-legislation regarding women.
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.
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?
There are some societies where women are not even allowed to drive a car, and that restriction is based in the name of religion and tradition. There are other countries where a woman can be punished if she does not cover her head.
The way my father worked altruistically and the manner in which he used to go behind bars and come back home smilingly was inspirational.
I would simply not compromise on the fundamental rights of people.
To set a trap for a handful of promiscuous individuals, the Zina law has laid a minefield for women in difficult circumstances.
The world has to have zero tolerance for naked dictatorship.
There used to be very few women in prisons, but this changed with the introduction of the hudood laws.
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.
We want a country which is not isolated and where democracy rules.
I don't need a certificate of my patriotism from those in the establishment.
A really responsible court will never give an order it knows will not be implemented.
The morality of a society is not judged by the behaviour of an oppressed class but by the rules and laws made by the state, which either protect or exploit an already depressed section of society.
Even before his detention, my father was fighting many cases. He remained in jail in Multan. He remained in jail in Bannu. But we were not allowed to go see him there. We always saw him in courts. So for me, the courts were a place where you dressed up to see your father. It had a very nice feeling to it.
A woman's whole life is spent making chicken curry while her husband works. Then, any time he likes, he can kick her out.
However flawed democracy is, it is still the only answer.
Divorce is the cheapest thing in Pakistan. About 30 cents. Cheaper than fish and chips. I've had clients married to very rich men for 40 years, then turned out on the road with nothing.
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.
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.
The Army is into every business in this country. Except hairdressing.
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.
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.
We may fight terrorism through brute force, but the terror that is unleashed in the name of religion can only be challenged through moral courage.
I had been very impressed with the courts we visited to see my father. The judges wearing wigs, the lawyers, the legal arguments - it was all exciting stuff for a kid.
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.
When the Bangladesh war happened, people in Pakistan who did not support it were called unpatriotic. My father was in the jail at that time, and a lot of those who knew my family used to call us children of a traitor.
Terrorism does not disappear with revenge tactics but through making justice and equality before law a reality.
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.
Yes, I am very unhappy, extremely anguished at human rights violations against Kashmiris in India or against Rohingyas in Burma or, for that matter, Christians in Orissa; but obviously, I am going to be more concerned of violations taking place in my own house because I am closer to the people who I live with. I have more passion for them.
We never learnt the right lessons. We never went to the root of the problem. Once you start politicising religion, you play with fire and get burnt as well. Another lesson we did not learn is that Muslims are not homogenous.
While speaking in the NA, one must maintain respect.
Attempts are being made to turn Pakistan into a security state. If they succeed they should better rename it 'ISIstan.'
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.
My family has equally suffered abductions, attacks and life threats, but I have continued my struggle for justice.
I had to face imprisonment and house arrests, but it made me tougher.
Musharraf's government has a civilian face - there are still elections and assemblies - and he has come to believe his own propaganda that he really is a democrat.
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.
Past experience has shown that the Islamists gain space when civilian authority weakens.
We eat, drink, and sleep religion, but we do not do good.
Terrorism and religious extremism are huge challenges. They go hand in glove.
Women's rights was thought of as a Western concept. Now people do talk about women's rights - political parties talk about it, even religious parties talk about it.
She is absolutely inspiring. Malala is a vindication of our struggle.
I have no illusions about our elected politicians. Pakistani democracy is anything but perfect.
If your people don't really believe or respect you, if you don't have the moral authority to rule, then your goose is cooked.
If state protects the rights of people, they start respecting the state.
As a lawyer, many a time I took up difficult and sensitive cases dealing with minorities' and women's rights. Yes, I constantly receive threats, and to be very honest, at times it is very scary. But I have to continue my work.
I suppose anyone who calls a dictator a dictator is 'dangerous' and 'imbalanced.'
Fortunately, when Benazir Bhutto was prime minister, she banned public whipping of women - banned whipping of women, period, which is a marvelous thing she did.
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.
We believe that when there is a democratic setup, we have a greater voice.
When there is oppression and dictatorship, by not speaking out, we lose our dignity.
People send their kids to law school to uphold the rule of law - not to fight in the streets for justice and not to be beaten up.
I am so proud of Pakistanis and specifically of our lawyers for speaking out and getting their heads bashed in for a better Pakistan.
Every fair-minded person holding a position of authority must support the few who have stood up against the injustice being perpetrated in the name of blasphemy.
When General Musharraf took over, the Bar Association was among the first of some of the institutions that said they would not accept the Musharraf regime.
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