LAHORE: Human rights activist and veteran journalist Ibn Abdur Rehman, commonly known as I.A. Rehman, has passed away at the age of 90.
He died at his residence in Lahore but his family did not identify the cause of death. Rehman was a prominent peace and human rights activist and also actively involved with the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).
He was born on September 1930 in Haryana, British India to a land-owning family. Rehman was a distinguished journalist and was involved with journalism for more than 65 years.
During his career, he served as the editor-in-chief of the Pakistan Times from 1988-1990. Apart from publishing hundreds of articles and papers, he had authored three books.
Rehman worked as director of HRCP for two decades and was also the group’s secretary general till 31 December, 2016. He was the founding chair of the Pakistan-India Peoples Forum for Peace and Democracy.
He has also been a director of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) since 1990. He was an influential figure in promoting Indo-Pakistan peace as well as other human rights issues in Pakistan.
Prominent activists and politicians have paid tribute over his demise. President Dr. Arif Alvi has expressed grief and sorrow over the death of the veteran journalist.
In his message, the president commended the efforts of I.A. Rehman in the fields of journalism and human rights. He said his services will always be remembered. He prayed for the departed soul and condoled with the bereaved family.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said 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,” said the foreign minister.
PPP’s Senator Sherry Rehman said he was an “icon of integrity, standing steadfast for every single fundamental right, every single democratic value in the worst of times.”
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
Human rights activist Ali Dayan Hasan remembered Rehman as a “human rights warrior, and a visionary leader”. Activist Salman Sufi, founder of the Salman Sufi Foundation, called him a voice of reason and intellect who never shied away from stating facts.
Our beloved I A Rehman, human rights warrior, visionary and leader has passed away. He led @HRCP87 for decades and was our inspiration and guide. Rest in Peace Rehman Sb. You are always with us.
— Ali Dayan Hasan (@AliDayan) April 12, 2021
Painful to hear that #IARehman sb is no more. He was a voice of reason and intellect, who never shied away from stating facts. @dawn_com and @HRCP87 are poorer today.
— Salman Sufi (Wear a Mask to Keep All Safe) (@SalmanSufi7) April 12, 2021
