Asma Jahangir Quotes
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Past experience has shown that the Islamists gain space when civilian authority weakens.
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I don't care what America and Africa think; I am only concerned that the people of this country should be saved from its Army.
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We have the tendency of over-legislation regarding women.
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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.
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My family has equally suffered abductions, attacks and life threats, but I have continued my struggle for justice.
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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.
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Look at the world, all the suffering... Being under house arrest is the least I can sacrifice.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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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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.
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Good or bad people can be democratically elected, but it is always easy to fight for human rights under this system.
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We want a country which is not isolated and where democracy rules.
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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.
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There was a time that human rights was not even an issue in this country. Then prisoners' rights became an issue.
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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.
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I would simply not compromise on the fundamental rights of people.
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I have protection. I have police protection. I have personal bodyguards. I have three sets of them. But believe me, this is really psychological for the family. If they want to get me, they can get me. And every time that I have been saved, it's been by coincidence.
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However flawed democracy is, it is still the only answer.
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The Army is into every business in this country. Except hairdressing.
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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.
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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.
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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.