Asma Jahangir
I have noticed encouraging signs in the fight against religious intolerance, and I am impressed by the outstanding degree of human rights activism in India.
My family has equally suffered abductions, attacks and life threats, but I have continued my struggle for justice.
We have the tendency of over-legislation regarding women.
Every religion curbs women rights to some extent. Some countries acted against religions and put a ban on wearing hijab, which was also a violation of human rights.
If state protects the rights of people, they start respecting the state.
There are some societies where women are not even allowed to drive a car, and that restriction is based in the name of religion and tradition. There are other countries where a woman can be punished if she does not cover her head.
When General Musharraf took over, the Bar Association was among the first of some of the institutions that said they would not accept the Musharraf regime.
Attempts are being made to turn Pakistan into a security state. If they succeed they should better rename it 'ISIstan.'
We want a country which is not isolated and where democracy rules.
The United Nations is an organizational body where people, through their Governments, come together; and it can be the only place where there can be a melting pot.Collection: Government