Honouring the efforts of the lawyer and human rights activist Asma Jehangir, the French Ambassador Philippe Thiebaud presented her with the award of ‘Officier de la Legion d’Honneur’ on Tuesday at a ceremony attended by diplomats, human rights activists and lawyers.
Speaking at the ceremony, Thiebaud said the French government recognised Jehangir for all her accomplishments. “It would be a bit preposterous to explain your contributions for the protection of human rights… you are recognised worldwide for the dedication to the promotion of human rights,” he added.
As a prominent lawyer, he said, Jehangir has been involved in putting up an effort for upholding rule of law in this country for quite some years now.
“I think I’m more notorious than famous,” said Jehangir.
Pakistan, she said, was also being recognised in another perspective, adding that we have our difficulties and horrible human rights problems.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2014.
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@Notorious You know nothing about the lady you are talking about. Asma along ith IA Rehman were the first person to highlight Afia Siddique case when IK and JI were enjoying power with Musharaf. The tragedy of Pakistan is that people who have no idea whats going on are the ones who speak the most.
I have followed AJ since my childhood days and have never met her but i believe she is one of the few people in Pakistan we can be really proud off. May Allah give her health and more time to struggle for better Pakistan.
French wine is well known in social circles I suppose.
Her human rights definition does not include the following:
1- Extra judicial killings by drones 2- PTI democratic protest 3- Model Town massacre 4- Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir 5. Karachi dons violation of the rule of law
Similarly, her dictionary includes:
Support Geo and any other person who bash Pakistani and army, even if the allegations are baseless and no practical evidence. Support 35 punctures to protect democracy Run and NGOs and get funds from western world.So, the award goes to the second category. Congratulations Asma Jehangir to protecting human rights in Pakistan.
@Mohammad: It is terribly biased and unfair to call Asma Jehangir anti Pakistan. She is a true patriot, not only that, she has championed human rights now for decades, including the cause of gender. As she said, Pakistan has a dismal record, there is much to accomplish still - if only Pakistan had more like minded women- Admire her strength of character, integrity, intellect, and empathy for those who suffer, and good sense in analyses. Three cheers for Ms. Jehangir being acknowledged by the French government, known to stand for equality and more.
Great! Just a few months back, she was Najam Sethi's advocate in his PCB case.............. Advocating for his right to be PCB chairman for causing 35 punctures. I love the way award juries work in the west.
Yeah, the so called Human Rights Activist, Asma Jahangir, having Four Freedom Awards for the Freedom of Worship, done nothing for the Humans of Pakistan. Right wing of others. Getting recognized elsewhere all the time except Pakistan.
“I think I’m more notorious than famous,” said Jehangir. Finally she realized the truth which French Ambassador could not. This statement is more than enough to take back the award.
The PTI trolls lef by their un-intellectual leader will be all over this
Surprise to me - yes she is assertive but did she raise her voice over the brutal KILLING of innocent people at the Model Town??? ....recognition as a human right activist!....leaves quite a few questions unanswered or perhaps apparently answered....
Asma Jehangir awarded by France - where is the surprise in that. She is so brazen in her true allegiance that she questioned our forces' patriotism on live tv.
every anti Pakistan is appreciated in west! every western NGO and Human Right Activist got Problem with Pakistan.....
Yeah fighting for the right of loot of Gullu League and Wadera Corruption Party
I always surprised when ppl call her human right activist bcz she remain biased as international media is so it not for 'human rights' but 'vested interests' she fights for, even she does not say a single word for model town massacre