Asma Jehangir, Pakistani activist, at age of 66

LAHORE, Pakistan — Asma Jehangir, one of Pakistan’s most prominent right activists and lawyers, died yesterday of a heart attack in the eastern city of Lahore at the age of 66, her daughter said.

News of Mrs. Jehangir’s sudden death shook political, social and media circles in Pakistan, as well as government ranks. President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and others offered condolences.

Mrs. Jehangir suffered a heart attack late on Saturday night and was rushed to the hospital where she died early yesterday, her daughter Muneeze said.

Born on Jan. 27 in 1952, Mrs. Jehangir had a prominent career both as a lawyer and rights activist.

She has served as chairwoman of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, and was widely respected for her outspoken criticism of the country’s militant and extreme Islamist groups and unparalleled record as a rights activist.

Mrs. Jehangir also served as president of the Supreme Court’s Bar Association and was a U.N. rapporteur on human rights and extrajudicial killings.

She was on Time magazine’s list of 100 most influential women.

Mrs. Jehangir is survived by her businessman husband, Tahir Jehangir, a son and two daughters. Her other daughter, Salima, lives in London. The funeral would take place after Salima’s return to Pakistan, the family announced.