unaza Hashmi, the human rights lawyer and activist who fought bravely for the rights of underprivileged workers and women in south Punjab, passed away on October 31 after a prolonged battle with cancer.

The funeral prayers were attended by people from all walks of life, including human rights activists, lawyers and hundreds of women and workers whose lives she had touched during a litigation and advocacy career spanning over 17 years.

Speaking with The News on Sunday, Mukhtar Bhutta, a cultural and development activist, said, “It is with a heavy heart that I have received the news of the passing of Munaza Hashmi. She was a committed human rights activist.”

He said, “We grieve the loss of an extraordinary individual. Her unwavering commitment to upholding human rights in Multan and beyond will forever serve as an inspiration.”

While cancer may have taken her physical presence, Hashmi’s indomitable spirit and dedication to a more equitable world will continue to thrive in the countless lives she influenced.

“Her tireless efforts as a human rights advocate will endure as a guiding beacon, leading future generations towards a fairer and more compassionate world,” Bhutta concluded.

Seconding Bhutta, Irfan Mufti said, “You left us too early, Munaza. You were a pillar of strength for many. Your boundless energy and courage inspired our generation and the next.”

Mufti said that he had always admired her unwavering commitment to worthy causes, her fearless truth-telling in challenging circumstances, and above all, her humility in helping those in need.

He recalled that Hashmi spoke boldly for workers’ rights; tirelessly assisted those affected by disasters; and advocated for the most underprivileged and the marginalised.

“I held her in high regard as a friend, a colleague and a leader in the humanitarian sector. Today, I find it hard to put into words the depth of her contributions and the loss we feel,” he said.

Mufti said her untimely departure had saddened many colleagues.

“Hashmi faced her battle with cancer with unwavering courage and a smile,” he noted.

Hashmi spoke boldly for workers’ rights, tirelessly assisted those affected by disasters and advocated for the most underprivileged and the marginalised.

He said many lawyers and civil society workers will continue to draw strength from her words, actions and enduring spirit.

Zahida Qureshi, a human rights activist working for disabled persons and a close friend of Hashmi, told TNS she had been battling cancer for three years.

“In March this year, when I met her at her house, she told me that her cancer had reappeared. It was the last stage, but there was not a hint of worry or sadness on her face,” Qureshi recalled.

Qureshi said while Hashmi did look very unwell physically, she never expressed any great anxiety or distress.

“She continued to work and serve people right until the end. Now her mobile phone number is inactive. May Allah grant her a place in His mercy. Hashmi was incredibly courageous and capable. I will miss her,” she said.

Human rights defender Tanveer Jahan said, “It was known that you had grown tired of fighting cancer and would one day depart in silence; but how lonely you have made us.” She also said, “every departing soul takes a part of us with them, a part that belongs to them.”

Jahan said that Hashmi had lived a full life and faced her illness courageously.

Uzma Yaqoob, another close friend of Hashmi, recalled her last conversation with the deceased. She said Hashmi had told her, “I’m not certain if I’ll make it to July; otherwise, we’ll meet in heaven.”

Yaqoob says that despite her own challenges, every time they had talked, Hashmi had told her to make her well-being, physical and emotional a priority. “She was a kind and caring soul who left us too soon,” she said.

In an official statement, the Pakistan-US Alumni Network said, the PUAN family was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of human rights advocate and honorary counsellor for anti-harassment.

“She was battling cancer with immense strength, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her cause. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones during this difficult time. May she rest in peace. Please say a small prayer for her,” the statement reads.

The writer is a journalist based in Lahore. He reports on politics, economy and militancy. He can be reached on X at @Hassannaqvi5