Asma Jahangir co-founded Pakistan’s first women-led law firm in 1980 and built the country’s most fearless legal aid network. She fought cases others wouldn’t touch—defending rape victims, bonded labourers, blasphemy accused, and women forced into marriage. On the streets, she led protests against discriminatory laws and was jailed for it. In court, she won decisions that changed lives and legal history.
Why It Mattered
Jahangir challenged the system—and forced it to listen. Her wins outlawed bonded labour, secured women’s right to marry freely, and treated honour killings as murder. Her courtroom courage gave teeth to human rights law in Pakistan.
Legacy Today
She became the first woman to lead Pakistan’s top bar, served as UN Rapporteur, and built institutions like AGHS and HRCP that still carry her mission. After her death, the UN honoured her with its highest human rights prize.
Quote:
Asma Jahangir once said:
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.
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