Asma Jahangir Quotes
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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.
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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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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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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.
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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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I had to face imprisonment and house arrests, but it made me tougher.
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The Army is into every business in this country. Except hairdressing.
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There used to be very few women in prisons, but this changed with the introduction of the hudood laws.
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I don't need a certificate of my patriotism from those in the establishment.
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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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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.
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We eat, drink, and sleep religion, but we do not do good.
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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.
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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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Attempts are being made to turn Pakistan into a security state. If they succeed they should better rename it 'ISIstan.'
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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.
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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.
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Terrorism and religious extremism are huge challenges. They go hand in glove.
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A woman's whole life is spent making chicken curry while her husband works. Then, any time he likes, he can kick her out.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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To set a trap for a handful of promiscuous individuals, the Zina law has laid a minefield for women in difficult circumstances.