Ibn Abdur Rehman, more commonly known as IA Rehman, was a journalist, editor, human rights defender and an educator. Born in September of 1930, he left us on April 12. His loss has left millions of Pakistanis grieving and many of his colleagues and proteges without a guiding figure. His legacy, however, continues to live in the form of his incredible work.

IA Rehman became the chief editor of The Pakistan Times newspaper in 1989. As an editor, he was known to be extremely compassionate and empathetic towards his colleagues. He was not only candid and truthful in his own writings, but he also inspired his colleagues and subordinates to be similarly forthright.

His compassion was not limited to his associates. It extended to the masses. He was the founding chair of the Pakistan-India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy. IA Rehman, lovingly referred to as Rehman Sahib by those who had the privilege of knowing him, was also a director of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) from 1990 to 2008, and a prominent human rights activist. His contribution to the cause was recognised with the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Peace and International Understanding and the Nuremberg International Human Rights Award which were given awarded in the early 2000s. It is no wonder that Rehman Sahib is often referred to as the ‘father of human rights’ in Pakistan.

Other than being a phenomenal statesman and peace activist, IA Rehman was a gem of a person who naturally inspired future activists, journalists, and colleagues through his dedication and empathy. Rehman Sahib was an understanding boss, a vigilant editor, and an indispensable colleague to many. He immersed himself in both big and small challenges. He stood against four military dictatorships and the human rights atrocities and media censorship that came along with them. IA Rehman was also one of the strongest voices against Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. He could also been seen holding placards in support of the women rights movements in the country. He faced joblessness, imprisonment threats to life but never backed down.