News
Monday, November 05, 2012
Asad Rahman remembered as ‘symbol of struggle’
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Participants at a condolence reference here Sunday remembered Asad Rahman, renowned human rights activist and younger brother of Daily Times Editor Rashed Rahman, as a ‘symbol of struggle’ and ‘voice of the oppressed’ who throughout his life strove for the legitimate rights of the people of Balochistan.
The reference was organized by the Sindh Graduates Association (SGA) Islamabad at Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Community Centre.
Remembering Asad Rahman as a great fighter for the rights of Balochistan, Sajid Qaiserani told the participants that he was one of the first who reached Balochistan and last one to leave it.
Throughout his life, he added, Asad worked for the rights of Balochistan’s people and termed his death a great loss for everyone.
Speaking on the occasion, Umer Javed of Sungi Foundation said that Asad struggled for Balochistan’s rights and highlighted the issue without any fear.
He appreciated the honesty and commitment of the renowned human rights activist and added that he used to present his point of view in a straight and fearless manner.
He was of the view that it will take time to fill the gap caused by the death of Asad Rahman.
Tahira Abdullah remembered the human rights activist as a multiple-faceted personality.
She said Asad was a born Punjabi but the Baloch, Sindhis, Siraekis also own him.
She went on to say that even the 1971 Bengali freedom fighters own him as he was a supporter of human rights.
She proposed carrying forward the mission of Asad Rahman as the best way to remember and
pay tribute to the departed soul.She pledged to raise voice against missing persons and ‘atrocities’ of the FC in Balochistan.
Abdullah further said that Musharraf killed Umer Asghar Khan who wanted to enlighten society and also advised Malala Yousafzai not to believe Rehman Malik’s security promises and return to Pakistan.
She also lashed out at Awami National Party which, being a secular party, enforced Nizam-e-Adl Regulation in 2009.
Haider Gurguri believed that Asad was a great man and will be remembered always.
He was of the firm belief that Asad will be remembered till issues like Balochistan are not resolved for which he struggled throughout his life.
Fayyaz Baqir remembered Asad as a voice of the oppressed and added he fought for the rights of the people who started their struggle for independence after the independence of Pakistan and are still struggling for the same cause.
Yousuf Memon of SAG labelled him a legendary personality who worked for the rights of Balochistan till his last breath.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk