Prominent Pakistani human rights activist and lawyer Jibran Nasir was abducted late on Thursday night in the southern city of Karachi, his wife Mansha Pasha said.
Pakistani human rights activist Jibran Nasir abducted in Karachi: wife
No law enforcement agency has yet confirmed whether Nasir is in their custody, but his abduction comes as the country is knee deep in political turmoil.
In a video posted on social media, Pasha said the two were driving home when they were intercepted by a white pickup truck and a sedan.
Following his disappearance, celebrities and the media fraternity voiced their support and concern on social media, praying for his safe return.
Filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy posted a note on Instagram, denouncing the silencing of those speaking up.
“There is no one left,” she wrote. “They have silenced everyone.”
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan also condemned the development.
“Jibran Nasir’s abduction only reinforces the fact that we are headed to the Nazi Germany era post 1933,” he wrote.
Ziauddin Yousafzai, father of activist and Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai, voiced his concern on Twitter.
“My heart breaks for the abduction of M. Jibran Nasir, a champion of human rights,” he wrote.
Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United States, Hussain Haqqani wrote: “News of Jibran Nasir’s abduction is deeply worrying. Hope he returns home soon and continues to fight for the weak and dispossessed in Pakistan.”
Minister Faisal Subzwari also condemned his disappearance.
“You may disagree with @MJibranNasir‘s ideas, POV BUT he’s not a criminal..”
Michael Kugelman, South Asia Institute Director at The Wilson Center, wrote, “Jibran Nasir is a brave soul who speaks truth to power and has done so for many years. Disturbing news about his apparent abduction and I hope he is released soon.”
Actor Osman Khalid Butt wrote: “Jibran Nasir, to me, represents the very best of us. Release him.”
Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon also expressed his concern, writing, “CM expressing concern on abduction of @MJibranNasir, CM directed IG Sindh for a report and take measures for his early recovery”