ISLAMABAD: Legislators in the Upper House of the Parliament on Tuesday paid glowing tributes to late human rights activist and lawyer Asma Jahangir for her innumerable services for democracy and human rights of Pakistani citizens. A special condolence reference was held in Senate to honour the memory of the late lawyer and activist who rendered numerous services for the cause of rule of law, democratic governance and human and women’s rights throughout her lifetime. The senators said that Jahangir always supported democracy and did not shy away from taking difficult positions while never compromising on her principles. They said Asma Jahangir was amongst the rare breed of Pakistani citizens. The lawmakers said that Asma Jahangir had always been a supporter of freedom of speech and fought for minorities’ rights all her life. They said that she always stood up against human rights violations by rising above religious and gender lines. The senators lauded the services rendered by late Asma Jahangir for restoration of democracy, judiciary and human rights and said that she would be remembered forever for her great efforts against dictators. They said Jahangir was the one to ever compromise on principles and she stood firmly against undemocratic forces. The vacuum created due to her death would take a long time to fill, they maintained. Minister for Climate Change Mushahidullah Khan said Jahangir believed in supremacy of rule of law and constitution. He said she made tireless efforts for supremacy of the constitution. “She played a key role for women empowerment in the country,” he said. Sardar Azam Musakhel praised Jahangir for her struggle against all military dictators including Gen Ayub Khan, Gen Yahya Khan and Gen Musharraf. “She also played a leading role in restoration of judiciary.” ANP Senator Ilyas Bilour termed Asma Jahangir a freedom fighter and said her efforts for independence of judiciary and press would be remembered forever. PPP Senator Saher Kamran said late Asma Jahangir had been the voice of voiceless people in the country. She was a champion of human rights who provided legal assistance to poor people free of cost. Saher Kamran suggested that her name should be included in the Dastoor Gali (Constitutional Street) owing to her services rendered for democracy. Kalsoom Parveen seconded the suggestion. Dr Jahanzeb Jamaldini highlighted that Jahangir had always raised her voice against injustices meted out with Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Bugti. Mir Kabeer also remembered Asma Jahangir for raising voice for voiceless people. Salim Zia and Ghaus Bakhs said that she was an asset of the country. Senators Bushra Gul, Taj Haider and Shibli Faraz also paid tribute to the late lawyer and activist. Published in Daily Times, February 14th 2018.