Daily Times

Mohammad Jibran Nasir, a prominent human rights activist and lawyer,is contesting the seat for Karachi NA-247 and PS-11 as an independent candidate.

Jibran mentioned how he wanted to stand for the voiceless and marginalised communities of Pakistan. Recently, he released the anthem for his election campaign titled #HumMeinSeAik. Interestingly, the lyrics of the anthem do not praise or even mention Jibran as opposed to majority political songs which celebrate personalities. Instead, it focuses on highlighting the everyday struggles of a common man and focuses on the current injustices that prevail in the political system of the nation.

Talking about the anthem, Jibran said, “We have been taught to seek change from the ruling elite whereas we need to be the change. We are the change.” Throughout his election campaign he particularly emphasised on the importance of unity, tolerance and religious diversity for the creation of a progressive society. However, during such troubling times when religious extremism is so high in the country, speaking about equal rights for all is a daunting and courageous task within itself for his election campaign.

In this atmosphere of hate, Jibran Nasir has indeed won support from all quarters of society

The art of strategically defeating terrorism and extremism without using any kind of violence has been one of his crowning achievements. Recently, while holding a corner meeting in the constituency he was compelled by locals to verbally abuse Ahmadia. Jibran decided to take the harder route and refused, putting his own life on the line.

This came as a surprise since doing politics on religious grounds is well known in Pakistan. But here we have this man without a party, who bluntly refused to do his politics on religion.

In this atmosphere of hate, Jibran Nasir has indeed won support from all quarters of the society, having emerged as a symbol of tolerance, humanity, and hope.He is choosing to stand differently and not compromise on his principles.

In order to become a progressive society, every leader and politician should stand firm on their principles without bowing down to extremist forces. In such current political scenario of appeasement, Jibran stands out for displaying sheer bravery when many seasoned politicians continue to do the exact opposite.

Fighting for the rights of ordinary citizens, minorities, and standing against religious extremism, VIP Culture and injustices across the nation, Jibran Nasir indeed defines an honest leadership for the coming times.

Now is the time that such a common citizen with a determined mission to serve should be supported for his undying conviction against abuse of power. For the sane voices of this country indeed endorse you Jibran Nasir.

The writer a lawyer graduated with an LLB Hons, University of London International Programmes. Twitter @fizzaalik

Published in Daily Times, July 25^th 2018.