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I don't need a certificate of my patriotism from those in the establishment.
Asma Jahangir -
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.
Asma Jahangir
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I suppose anyone who calls a dictator a dictator is 'dangerous' and 'imbalanced.'
Asma Jahangir -
However flawed democracy is, it is still the only answer.
Asma Jahangir -
We eat, drink, and sleep religion, but we do not do good.
Asma Jahangir -
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 Jahangir -
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 Jahangir -
I would simply not compromise on the fundamental rights of people.
Asma Jahangir
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Terrorism and religious extremism are huge challenges. They go hand in glove.
Asma Jahangir -
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.
Asma Jahangir -
She is absolutely inspiring. Malala is a vindication of our struggle.
Asma Jahangir -
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.
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 Jahangir -
The way my father worked altruistically and the manner in which he used to go behind bars and come back home smilingly was inspirational.
Asma Jahangir
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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.
Asma Jahangir -
A really responsible court will never give an order it knows will not be implemented.
Asma Jahangir -
I think I have lived enough in this country where I can say what I think is true and which is the voice of my conscience.
Asma Jahangir -
A woman's whole life is spent making chicken curry while her husband works. Then, any time he likes, he can kick her out.
Asma Jahangir -
I had to face imprisonment and house arrests, but it made me tougher.
Asma Jahangir -
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 Jahangir
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In bonded labour cases, judges would ask me why I had brought those people to the courts who stank. 'You are here precisely for them,' I would respond.
Asma Jahangir -
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.
Asma Jahangir -
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.
Asma Jahangir -
It is not easy for the courts to control the intelligence agencies. There has to be concerted and coordinated effort on part of the courts, the parliament, and the government.
Asma Jahangir