Duplicity in matters of religion is not confined to Pakistan, but it hurts the most in societies where debate on religion is asphyxiated and preachers of hate have become keepers of faith.
— Asma Jahangir
I had been very impressed with the courts we visited to see my father. The judges wearing wigs, the lawyers, the legal arguments - it was all exciting stuff for a kid.
The Army is into every business in this country. Except hairdressing.
Even before his detention, my father was fighting many cases. He remained in jail in Multan. He remained in jail in Bannu. But we were not allowed to go see him there. We always saw him in courts. So for me, the courts were a place where you dressed up to see your father. It had a very nice feeling to it.
As a lawyer, many a time I took up difficult and sensitive cases dealing with minorities' and women's rights. Yes, I constantly receive threats, and to be very honest, at times it is very scary. But I have to continue my work.
Look at the world, all the suffering... Being under house arrest is the least I can sacrifice.
The Musharraf government has declared martial law to settle scores with lawyers and judges. Hundreds of innocent Pakistanis have been rounded up. Human rights activists, including women and senior citizens, have been beaten by police. Judges have been arrested and lawyers battered in their offices and the streets.
General Zia-ul-Haq, a dictator and unscrupulous political actor, used Islam as a pretext for waging war in Afghanistan and adopting an aggressive stance towards India. By advancing a more orthodox version of Islam, he was able to hold on to a repressive regime and quell any opposition.
Religiosity is suffocating in Pakistan. It invariably stokes the fire in driving society to religious extremism.
I have no illusions about our elected politicians. Pakistani democracy is anything but perfect.
However flawed democracy is, it is still the only answer.
The way my father worked altruistically and the manner in which he used to go behind bars and come back home smilingly was inspirational.
I had to face imprisonment and house arrests, but it made me tougher.
We are so resilient as a people. I have so much respect for their dignity and courage. I hope the world sees this side of Pakistan, one where professionals want a democracy. The spirit of our intelligentsia cannot be broken.
Past experience has shown that the Islamists gain space when civilian authority weakens.
To set a trap for a handful of promiscuous individuals, the Zina law has laid a minefield for women in difficult circumstances.
The state has not only the obligation to stay neutral in matters of religion but also to ensure that freedom of thought and conscience of all individuals is protected.
Musharraf's government has a civilian face - there are still elections and assemblies - and he has come to believe his own propaganda that he really is a democrat.
We may fight terrorism through brute force, but the terror that is unleashed in the name of religion can only be challenged through moral courage.
We believe that when there is a democratic setup, we have a greater voice.
The world has to have zero tolerance for naked dictatorship.
I am so proud of Pakistanis and specifically of our lawyers for speaking out and getting their heads bashed in for a better Pakistan.
There used to be very few women in prisons, but this changed with the introduction of the hudood laws.
The morality of a society is not judged by the behaviour of an oppressed class but by the rules and laws made by the state, which either protect or exploit an already depressed section of society.
