LAHORE:The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Monday remembered IA Rehman, the organization’s former honorary spokesperson and secretary-general, on the occasion of his first death anniversary.
In a statement HRCP said under Mr Rehman’s steady leadership, which lasted over 25 years, HRCP grew into an internationally credible human rights organization and maintained its independence and non-partisanship. In this time, Mr Rehman mentored scores of young human rights defenders across the country, all of whom recall his warmth, perspicacity and unshakeable integrity, it added.
HRCP said: “Throughout his life, Mr Rehman championed a wide range of human rights causes. A veteran journalist, he wrote with exceptional clarity to advocate an end to enforced disappearances and the death penalty, while defending constitutionalism, freedom of expression and the rights of religious minorities. He was an integral part of the women’s movement and labour rights movement, while his particular affection and concern for Balochistan kept his finger on the pulse of the province for years.”
It said that Mr Rehman’s activism transcended geographical boundaries and he infused a quiet energy into efforts advocating peace and pluralism in South Asia. Indeed, his vast knowledge was such that Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, at a reference last year, said he wished he had had the chance to spend more time in conversation with Mr Rehman. Equally at home among political leaders, students, peasants and trade unionists, Mr Rehman remained a moral compass for so many. At HRCP, we celebrate his life even as we remain in his debt, HRCP concluded.