People's choice: Asma Jahangir, Veena Malik deserve recognition

The Express Tribune's facebook fans voted for a list of Pakistani women who deserve recognition.

Readers on The Express Tribune facebook page were asked to name and vote the Pakistani women whom they thought deserved recognition for their achievements.

Feedback and likes were collected over time below the posts Shehrbano Taseer and Ambassador Sherry Rehman making it to a 150 fearless women list and a story about a woman from lower Dir being recognised by the US International Women of Courage Award. Our followers suggested and voted for the following:

Asma Jahangir (15 likes)

A tenacious lawyer and a very vibrant human rights activist who works both in Pakistan and internationally to promote human rights, prevent the persecution of religious minorities, women, and exploitation of children.

Veena Malik (12 likes)

To some she is vulgar, to others a symbol of hope. Unable to stay out of the headlines, the model cum actress is a maverick for the modern Pakistani woman.

Parveena Ahanger  (7 likes)

President of APDP - Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons, a body formed in 1994 of parents of disappeared persons in Kashmir. She was nominated for a Nobel prize in 2005. She has been fighting for justice since 20 years, after her son was abducted by Indian troops. He never returned and she kept fighting.

Amna Janjua (2 likes)

Defence of Human Rights (DHR) www.dhrpk.org , is one of the few human rights activist organizations founded by the victims of the violation of human rights. It was founded by Amina Masood Janjua after the abduction of her husband Masood janjua on July 30, 2005.

Begum Bilquis Edhi (4 likes)

Wife to Abdul Sattar Edhi, she runs the Edhi Home, A shelter for the abandoned. Hers is the largest shelter where abandoned women and children are given a roof, and someone who cares when others don't.

Aasia Bibi (3 likes)

A Christian woman who was sentenced after being found guilty of blasphemy. Slain governor of Punjab Salmaan Taseer had requested the President to use his executive powers to commute her sentence. He was killed later for this.

Meera (2 likes)

A Lollywood actor, and first female actor from Pakistan to work in a mainstream Bollywood production. She recently announced her decision to leave the industry on account of her marriage.

Sana Saleem (2 likes)

A blogger and an activist. She founded, and runs Bolo Bhi – a platform for activism and raising voice against injustice.

Musarrat Shaheen (2 likes)

An actor who contested elections from Dera Ismail Khan against Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam-Fazal chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

Marvi Sirmed (1 like)

A political commentator, governance specialist, free lance journalist, theater actor and an independent blogger.

Nilofar Bakhtiyar (1 like)

She is a Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid Senator who has vociferously campaigned for bills that protect women. She has to her credit the Women Protection Bill and Anti-Acid Throwing Bill, which were passed in part due to her campaigning.

Aafia Siddiqi (1 like)

A Pakistani-American Neuroscientist who was found guilty on charges of terrorism, and assaulting US officials. Her supporters in Pakistan claim she is innocent and ask of the US government to repatriate her.