After an alleged plot to assassinate rights activist Asma Jahangir was uncovered last month, the interior ministry has started providing her security. The request had been made by the foreign ministry, most likely originating in the UN.
Recently, the UN’s top human rights body appointed three independent experts, including Jahangir, to conduct a fact-finding mission on how Israel’s West Bank settlements affect the Palestinians. Jahangir is also representing former ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani before the Supreme Court in the Memogate scandal.
Jahangir, who is also former president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, confirmed to The Express Tribune that the government has provided her with security. She added that she wasn’t allowed to share details because of the threats to her life.
Asked about the nature of threats, Jahangir quickly pointed a finger at the country’s premier intelligence agency. Responding to a question, Jahangir said she could not confirm whether the move to provide security was made on the government’s initiative or due to the UN’s concerns regarding her safety.
Jahangir is known for her struggle against military dictatorships and her vocal stance on human rights issues.
Foreign Office spokesperson Moazzam Ali Khan said it was routine for them to entertain requests from foreign delegations or human rights bodies for security, and to subsequently communicate the concerns to relevant quarters.
The letter the Foreign Office sent to the interior ministry suggests that under the circumstances, Jahangir is facing serious threats to her life which merit special arrangements for her protection.
An Intelligence Bureau official told The Express Tribune that after receiving the letter from the Foreign Office, the interior ministry immediately deployed security personnel outside Jahangir’s residence in Lahore. The official said VIP security is also available to Jahangir now so that she could travel safely.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 15th, 2012.
COMMENTS (9)
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ALL of u supporting her you will see whos side is she on after this fact finding mission. there is a UN resalution about this Settlements and now they want to find facts about it. and above all she is a Lawyer she should know about this. her muslim brother and sisters are slaughtered by Isreal forces and now she is going to find facts. She will show her true colores now.
Had all the self declared VIPs been denied special treatment, there would have been no security situation in the country to begin with.
Asma Jehangir: Fighting fictitious / imaginary villains all around the world!
@Jpy: No, but the common citizens of Pakistan, who don't blindly support the PPP and US (like AJ) or the Mullahs. Where were Asma's morals when she was representing HH?
@Truth bites: Who are your darling? Mullas & Jihadis?
Please exclude me from that list of 'everybody'.
Since she is darling of USA, USA will be glad to pay for her security. As for her patriotism there is a big question mark on it.
High time we start protecting our star citizens of this country! She is one outstanding lady who not only to be respected, loved & adored by everybody in Pakistan but protected from those who would like to silence one of very few sanity voices of this unfortunate country.