Daily Times

If some hardcore nationalist right winger Pakistanis ever get a chance, they would dig Asma out of her grave and kill her again or may be stone her to death once more. The kind of hatred spewed against her in the social media reflects decayed mentality of our people plagued with hyper nationalism and religious extremism, which isn’t surprising. Indeed, decency and decorum essential for the foundation of a civil and tolerant society departed this place long ago.

One has the right to possess difference of opinion but demonizing one’s character or celebrating their death can’t be in any way justified. It’s really saddening to see how youth is being spoiled by some entities who brand everyone as anti-national or non-Muslim blasphemers just because they can’t withstand mere condemnation.

No institution is above criticism and must not be protected from legitimate, sincere and constructive critique. That’s what Asma taught throughout her life. Her relentless fight against tyrants and struggle for revival of democracy and civilian supremacy was exemplary. From a nascent stage, she discovered herself in a race too swift, and battle too strong; where merit of the selection was more than ever just being cunning. She was in her teenage when she witnessed her father’s detention under martial law regime. She filed a petition for his release in the Lahore high court.

Physical inferiority imparted by repressive patriarchal culture was no impassable obstacle to her success as the greatest geniuses had sometimes the smallest frames. Cramped by traditions, suffocated by conservative society she rose to leadership, power that made her what she firmly believed in. She openly challenged norms of patriarchal society, defying trends, constructing new pillars for freedom and equal rights for women. Her resolve was strong enough that even at her funeral she continued making space for women in public sphere. That’s what she stood for: equality, pluralism and humanity.

Her eminence for unveiling nefarious elements in the society was strong enough that even after her death she continued to expose pettiness of her adversaries, those who are responsible for damaging society while thumping their chests for all-goodness. Only complain I will always have from Asma is that she left us way too early in this circus of madness. Clamor of her sane voice used to make her counterparts shudder and at the same time soothed the minds of the like-minded people, making them feel a bit more comfortable with their lives due to her presence, encouraging others to follow her trail as well. She was the voice of conscience the requirement of which everyone felt but was never uttered. Presence of someone is missed only when they are hauled off from the world and aren’t among us in the most crucial of times; when we need them the most.

Asma was a rare Pakistani who won international acclaim for her struggle for human rights. She patrolled the rights of secular liberals, marginalized religious minorities, the politically disenfranchised, wronged women, abused children; she even fought for the constitutional rights of the very same religious extremists and hard-right nationalists who would have wanted her dead.

The campaign against Asma isn’t new; our history is replete with instances when we humiliated our icons. It is witness to how Pakistanis treated the sister of their country’s founder Fatima Jinnah, labelling her a foreign agent, doubted her loyalty to motherland, accused her of betraying his brother when she stood for democracy against Ayub Khan. The icon of peace Malala Yousufzai has been treated in the same manner. The list goes on… And then we complain about our country’s image deteriorating in the international community and media. It’s not about how others treat us distinctively. It’s about how we treat our own people who represent Pakistan, who represent us. We dishonour our icons symbolising our identity before the world. So the world also sees us with disgust. What else is it supposed to do?

Asma was a rare Pakistani who won international acclaim for her struggle for human rights. She patrolled the rights of secular liberals, marginalized religious minorities, the politically disenfranchised, wronged women, abused children; she even fought for the constitutional rights of the very same religious extremists and hard-right nationalists who would have wanted her dead.

According to her, terrorists could be defeated by force but terror unleashed in the name of religion can only be challenged through moral courage. She was never intimidated by extremist mullahs and blasphemy charges which posed serious threat to her life; never did she leave the country, a reflection of her courage and dedication towards her homeland.

For those who accuse, certify, judge, label Asma as anti-national or non-Muslim better bring forth your contribution and credentials for the betterment of Pakistan. Indeed, these fake muhib-e-watans and thekedars of Islam and Pakistan have brought much damage to both already.