A People’s Funeral: In Life And In Death, Asma Jahangir Challenged Conventions

Activist and icon of democracy Asma Jahangir’s funeral on Tuesday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore broke with tradition as men and women both gathered to pray and pay homage to the late lawyer.

Social Media was also abuzz with updates from the funeral, as well as thoughts and feelings about what the event meant for people. Men, women and children from all walks of life and all strata of society were present on the occasion – the presence of women was testament to her desire for democracy, equality and freedom from patriarchal traditions. We’ve recorded some touching and heartfelt thoughts and tributes from the day.

To those who object to men and women praying together at a funeral or for any given prayer: why is it acceptable during Haj and not otherwise? #AsmaJahangir

— Ali Dayan Hasan (@AliDayan) February 14, 2018

Wish I could have attended this tribute in person. What an inspiration she was and such a strong role model to millions of people like me ?? pic.twitter.com/WR3AY6G9at

— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) February 13, 2018

She gave women a place in the sun even as she left. #YouWillNeverBeForgottenAsmaJ https://t.co/rHKpALniBm

— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) February 13, 2018

Can’t believe it took a funeral to see this many women out in a public space. Pakistan normally looks excessively male and grey, this is how I would like it to look like all the time. Thank you Asma Jahangir, no one else could have done this but you. pic.twitter.com/Tnwrmw8x5r

— Gule (@gulmeenay) February 13, 2018

A befitting farewell to #AsmaJahangir - Thousands of women & men from all over came to show their love & respect - It was a peoples’ funeral...
It was just how she would have liked it.
It was however, very tough to say goodbye. pic.twitter.com/Ci5edDJ9kF

— Bushra Gohar (@BushraGohar) February 13, 2018

The pictures coming out from Asma Jahangir's funeral are so beautiful and radical. What a fitting tribute to a progressive feminist icon to have women and men pray side by side in public, rather than the patriarchal apartheid imposed in public and religious spaces in our country. https://t.co/yO1xj1iqM9

— Ammar Rashid (@AmmarRashidT) February 13, 2018