- January 29, 2024
- Ubaida Khan
- 0
Mohammad Jibran Nasir, born on 10 February 1987, is a Pakistani lawyer, civil rights activist, and political figure. Renowned for his advocacy in addressing social issues and unwavering dedication to advancing human rights, Nasir has made notable contributions to civil society. He is the founder of the NGO “Never Forget Pakistan.”
Early Life and Education
Born on 10 February 1987 in Karachi, Pakistan, Nasir received his O-Levels education from Saint Michael’s Convent School in Karachi, followed by A-Levels at The Lyceum School, Karachi. He pursued his Bachelor of Law (LLB Hons.) through the University of London International Programme and later attained an LLM in International Commercial Law from the University of Northumbria, UK.
Advocate for Justice, Human Rights, and Social Change
A lawyer by profession, Nasir is recognized for his critique of state policies concerning banned organizations in Pakistan and his vocal advocacy for the protection of minorities. In addition to his legal pursuits, he has served as a trustee at Elaj Trust, actively participating in relief efforts through the organization. Nasir is the founder of the NGO “Never Forget Pakistan” and is engaged in advocacy for marginalized communities through his involvement with Pakistan For All.
Nasir gained prominence in the aftermath of the December 2014 Peshawar school attack, where 150 lives were lost. He led a procession demanding the arrest of Lal Masjid cleric Abdul Aziz, earning attention and alleged threats from the Taliban spokesman in the aftermath.
Mohammad Jibran Nasir's Stand Against Sectarian Violence
In recognition of his tireless efforts, Mohammad Jibran Nasir was acknowledged by Foreign Policy Magazine as one of the three Pakistanis making significant strides against sectarian violence. Notably, in January 2015, Nasir assumed a pivotal role in orchestrating the “Reclaim Pakistan” movement, a bold initiative aimed at combating violent extremism. His leadership was evident in the organization of impactful demonstrations featuring poignant placards and candles, symbolizing a collective call for positive change.
Nasir’s activism against terrorism in Pakistan took a bold turn on 5 February 2015 when, along with fellow Civil Society activists, he was arrested for protesting in close proximity to the Chief Minister’s residence. Despite this setback, Nasir’s resilience prevailed, leading to his release later that day by the Karachi Police. Undeterred, he addressed the gathered protesters, reiterating a 15-day ultimatum to the government for decisive action against banned organizations. Nasir’s steadfast commitment to his cause continued to inspire change on multiple fronts.
Navigating Challenges: Nasir's Legal Battle Against Defamation and Threats
In 2017, Mohammad Jibran Nasir took a bold step by filing a complaint with the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) against Aamir Liaquat Hussain. Nasir alleged that Hussain, in his TV show, had engaged in a defamatory and life-threatening campaign against him. The repercussions of Nasir’s legal action were significant, leading to the banning of Aamir Liaquat’s TV show by PEMRA.
The legal saga continued as Rawalpindi police registered a case against Aamir Liaquat for threatening Nasir’s life. Amnesty International also entered the fray, addressing a letter to the Interior Minister of Pakistan, urging the government to take decisive action to safeguard the lives and rights of activists, including Nasir. The letter highlighted the harassment and threats faced by Nasir due to the actions of Aamir Liaquat, emphasizing the critical need for protection against such targeted aggression. Nasir’s resilience in the face of adversity underscored his commitment to upholding justice and protecting the rights of activists in Pakistan.
Political Aspirations and Electoral Challenges: Nasir's Candidacy in 2013
In the 2013 Pakistani general election, Mohammad Jibran Nasir ventured into electoral politics, running as an independent candidate for the National Assembly of Pakistan from Constituency NA-250 (Karachi-XII) and for the Provincial Assembly of Sindh from Constituency PS-113 (Karachi-XXV). Despite his earnest efforts, Nasir faced setbacks, securing only 259 votes for the NA-250 seat. In a hotly contested race, he lost the National Assembly seat to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s candidate, Arif Alvi, and the Sindh Assembly seat to Samar Ali Khan.
The battle for NA-250 was particularly intense and widely acknowledged as one of the most fiercely contested seats in the National Assembly. Despite the outcome, Nasir’s foray into electoral politics showcased his commitment to civic engagement and his willingness to actively participate in shaping the political landscape.
Following the 2018 delimitation, the NA-250 constituency underwent a change, being renamed as NA-247. Nasir’s political journey, though marked by initial setbacks, reflected his persistence and dedication to making a meaningful impact on the political scene in Pakistan.
Persistent Pursuit: Nasir's Electoral Endeavors in 2018
Undeterred by previous challenges, Mohammad Jibran Nasir declared his candidacy as an independent in the 2018 Pakistani general election. His aspirations extended to the seat of the National Assembly from Constituency NA-247 and the Provincial Assembly of Sindh from Constituency PS-111. Embracing the campaign theme “Hum Mein Se Aik,” Nasir aimed to resonate with the diverse voices within the constituency.
Despite robust publicity campaigns, Nasir faced significant electoral setbacks, experiencing defeat in both the national and provincial assembly contests by considerable margins. This outcome, however, did not dampen his resolve.
In a subsequent attempt to secure political representation, Nasir ran for the Provincial Assembly of Sindh from Constituency PS-111 as an independent candidate in a by-election held on 21 October 2018. Regrettably, this endeavor also proved unsuccessful, underscoring the challenges inherent in the electoral landscape.
Nasir’s persistent pursuit of political office highlighted his unwavering commitment to civic participation, despite the electoral hurdles encountered on his journey.