In a world where humanity seems to be fading away, there are still some human rights activists out there who are fighting to make this world a better place to live in. These human rights activists are working towards making sure that every human gets their rights because they deserve it. Speaking of human rights activists, here are the Pakistanis who gave up their lives for peace, humanity and the betterment of our society.
Here are the 8 human rights activists who gave up their lives…
1. Fareeda Kokikhel Afridi
In 2012, the 25 year old human rights activist Fareeda Kokikhel Afridi was shot dead by unidentified men. She was the founder of the Society for Appraisal and Women Empowerment in Rural Areas (SAWERA), a women-run not-for-profit organization working for women empowerment in the tribal areas. She was on her way to work in Peshawar when got attacked. Fareeda Kokikhel Afridi was targeted by extremists for promoting women’s rights in the conservative province of KPK and associated tribal areas.
2. Rashid Rehman
Rashid Rehman not only served as the regional coordinator for the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) but he was also a renowned lawyer. It was the controversial blasphemy case of Junaid Hafeez that cost him his life. He was brutally killed on May 7, 2014 by the militants.
3. Naeem Sabir
4. Sahib Khatoon Mirani
Sahib Khatoon Mirani was an NGO worker in Ghotki district. She was brutally killed by her own husband for raising voice for women’s rights. With an NGO named Takleeq foundation, Sahib Khatoon Mirani served as a social mobilizer in the Community Infrastructure Improvement Program (CIIP).
5. Siddique Eido
Siddique Eido also worked as a human rights activist in the Baluchistan region. In April 2011, he was abducted and barbarically murdered. His tortured body was found in Ormara area.
6. Zahra Shahid Hussain
Zahra Shahid Hussain (Zahra Apa) was a Pakistani politician, activist and teacher. She also worked as the president of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Sindh. Zahra Shahid Hussain was assassinated outside her house in the Defence Housing Authority, Karachi on 18 May 2013.
7. Parween Rehman
Parween Rehman, the human rights activist devoted her life to the development of impoverished areas all across Pakistan. She served as the director of Orangi Pilot Project Research and Training Institute. On 13th March 2013, she was gunned down near her office in Orangi Town, Karachi.
8. Sabeen Mehmud
Sabeen Mehmud was known as one of the most influential and brave women of Pakistan. She spent all her life in making efforts for promoting peace and tolerance. The dissent was silenced on 24th April 2014. She was shot dead by unidentified gunmen shortly after hosting a discussion session of the ‘Missing People’ of Baluchistan.
Thea above-mentioned personalities worked hard for humanity and for the rights of humans. These humble souls will forever be remembered!