File photo of Parveen Rehman. PHOTO: NPR
Rehman was being driven back home when she was killed by armed men at the Qasba Mor point on March 13.
Her funeral prayer was held at Gulistan-e-Jauhar, outside her residence and was attended by people belonging to various non-governmental organisations, members of the civil society and trade unions.
Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz leader Nehal Hashmi, Muttahida Qaumi Movement Rabta Committee member Khwaja Izharul Hassan, Managing Director Karachi Water and Sewerage Board Misbahuddin and a number of other noted figures also attended the funeral.
The murder shocked Rehman’s colleagues who said she did not have any personal enmity and worked mostly on projects for the uplift of the poor areas.
While it remains unclear if Rehman or the OPP had received threats, some of her work might have supposedly irked some influential persons.
Besides working on the illegal occupation of land in and around Orangi, Qasba and Gadap, Rehman had also mapped out illegal water hydrants around the city.
Expressing sorrow
When contacted by The Express Tribune, renowned human rights activist, Ansar Burney, said that anti-social elements had targeted her.
“She was a brave woman and never bowed before such elements. I think she had threats but she didn’t care because she was committed to her mission,” he added.
He said that no one can stop people like Rahman.
“Several innocent people are being targeted in the city daily but political forces don’t take appropriate action. It is merciless. We all have to take firm stance now. We should not wait for any revolution now.”
“She was an extra ordinary woman. She was a gentle woman. Why one will kill her? I don’t understand,” commented Shehri’s Roland D’Souza.
“I am really sad today. She dedicated her life to welfare of the people. She left her professional career and her sacrifices are matchless.”
“No one is safe here. Even a prime minister is targeted but the killers are not traced so why will the state bother to trace her assailants?” D'Souza added.
Rahman was also the council member of the Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER).
Karamat Ali, the executive director of the PILER, who worked with her for several years said, “The most horrible think had happened. We have lost an exception human being. She was a completely dedicated human being.”
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She will always be remembered for her good work and killing by bad guys.
We are grieved to hear the news of targeted assassination of the social worker Parveen Rehman, Director of the Orangi Pilot Project. Dr. Rehman was a dedicated person, working for the betterment of the poor and the down-trotted. We condemn this senseless killing and echo the words of Michael Dodman, the US Consul General in Karachi, who has extended the United States’ heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of renowned social reformer Parveen Rehman. He said, “We join all who condemn the senseless killing of a woman whose life was dedicated to helping the less fortunate.”
Abdul Quddus DET-United States Central Command
She should be awarded the Nishan e Haider posthumously. She was a brave and courageous woman who fought selflessly to improve the lives of the poor.
what a shame.
A loss for the country indeed.
Rest in Peace... One of the leading servant of Karachi.
The zulm continues and it will continue until we start punishing the cowards who does such things. The cosmetic statements, stop gap measures, hoodwinking suo moto will only embolden the terrorists. Only just reaction to incidents like this and countless other target killings and bombings is punishment to the culprits. No matter who they are.
few good people left and they are also being gunned down. sad sad state of affairs.