Asma Jahangir’s funeral prayers offered at Gaddafi Stadium

LAHORE: Prominent lawyer and human rights activist Asma Jahangir’s funeral prayers have been offered at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore at 3pm today.

As Pakistani attorney in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Akram Sheikh asked for the funeral procession to be adjourned, Chief Justice Saqib Nisar called out to all the lawyers saying, “If anyone wishes to attend the funeral of Madam Asma Jahangir, he or she is welcome to attend it.”

“I will offer my condolences too,” he said, adding that Jahangir came to be known as a fearless voice of the marginalised sections of the society and was known for her courageous stand against dictatorships and speaking up against human rights violations.

During an ongoing Senate session today, condolences poured in from all over, as people paid tribute to her services for democracy and efforts in the movement to restore the judiciary.

Jahangir, who co-founded the Human Rights Commision of Pakistan, passed away on Sunday after suffering a cardiac arrest. She was 66 years old.

“There will be no other freedom fighter like her,” tributes from the Senate concluded.

Chief Minister Punjab’s Strategic Reforms Unit paid homage to Jahangir’s efforts and services for the country as well. Flex posters with pictures of Asma Jahangir surround the Hali Road, Lahore.

Out of the people attending Asma’s funeral, names include Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri and Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar.

“The funeral prayer will be lead by Haider Farooq Maududi (son of Maulana Maududi),” said Azam Nazeer Tarar, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Asma Jahangir’s Nikkah was read by Maulana Maududi,” he added.

Earlier today, Asma’s body was transported from the hospital to her house in Gulberg.

Locals wishing to attend Asma’s funeral prayers are allowed to enter the Gaddafi Stadium by crossing the Liberty Roundabout by foot.