LAHORE: Ibn Abdur Rehman, an iconic Pakistani human rights defender and journalist, has died in Lahore after a brief illness, his family and friends said Monday. He was 90.
He spent his life defending human rights, opposing military rulers, fighting for the rule of law and democracy.
Abdur Rehman was also a strong voice for the country’s minorities, including Christians and Hindus.
He died of old age, high sugar, and blood pressure level, according to Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Secretary General Harris Khalique. He had been associated with the commission for a long time.
A protégé of Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Abdur Rehman became chief editor of the now-defunct Pakistan Times in 1989. He wrote a regular column for Dawn until a few days before his death.
He was the founding chair of the Pakistan-India Peoples’ Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD) and a director of the HRCP since 1990.
Abdur Rehman was born in 1930 in Haryana in United India before independence from British colonial rule in 1947. He was the author of three books an advocate of peace between Pakistan and India.
He campaigned for amendments to the blasphemy laws, which domestic and international rights groups claim have often been used to intimidate religious minorities and to settle personal scores.
The reports of his death prompted an outpouring of grief on social media, with ministers to the country’s opposition paying tributes to Rehman for his contribution to journalism and human rights.
Tributes poured in from all quarters as word of Abdur Rehman’s passing spread.
“A titan of human rights, Mr Rehman’s integrity, conscience and compassion were unparalleled,” HRCP said.
#IARehman, HRCP’s honorary spokesperson, former secretary-general and veteran journalist has passed away. A titan of human rights, Mr Rehman’s integrity, conscience and compassion were unparalleled. pic.twitter.com/IusELcPTSu
— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) April 12, 2021
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the country had lost a “true icon”.
Pakistan has lost a true icon today with the passing of I.A. Rehman. A staunch advocate and activist for Human Rights and an intellectual, I.A Rehman sahib leaves behind a rich legacy that speaks of tolerance, inclusion, equality and dignity.
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) April 12, 2021
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that the death of iconic human rights activist IA Rehman is for him and every patriotic Pakistani.
In a condolence message on Monday, the PPP chairman expressing deep grief over death IA Rehman said that the country has lost an untiring advocate of democracy and a powerful voice for human rights has gone into silence.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the wonderful and long services of renowned human rights activist for the country and its people will always be remembered.
Chairman PPP offered heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family, prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and granting courage to the family to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity.
Similarly, PPP leader Sherry Rehman said: “Shocked and immeasurably saddened to hear of IA Rehman’s passing from Covid[-19].”
Shocked and immeasurably saddened to hear of IA Rehman’s passing from Covid! He was an icon of integrity, standing steadfast for every single fundamental right,every single democratic value in the worst of times. Pakistan will not be the same without him. May be rest in peace. 🙏
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) April 12, 2021
Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry said the “giant intellectual and humanitarian will always be missed”.
A giant intellectual and humanitarian I.A Rehman is no more, a true liberal and humanist I.A Rehman will always be missed #IARehman
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) April 12, 2021
The US consulate in Lahore also extended condolences to his family and friends, calling him “a journalist and defender of human rights.” Abdur Rehman, the statement said, “will inspire countless future generations”.
