ISLAMABAD: Politicians, activists and citizens attended an event on Saturday to pay tribute to politician Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan.

While speaking to the audience, Mr Ahsan urged people – and students in particular – to show tolerance on every issue but to keep asking questions, which he said was more important than getting answers.

He said people should give the benefit of the doubt on every matter, because that is the only way society could move forward.

Mr Ahsan also praised Mukhtaran Mai, who was at the event, saying she established a school in her hometown where some 3,000 children are studying, including the children of those who had mistreated her.

Senator Mir Hasil Bizenjo joked that he wanted to continue building good relations with Mr Ahsan, as some cases had already been filed against him and more would be filed soon.

Senator Bizenjo remarked: “I hope that Mr Aitzaz volunteers himself for my cases.”

He added that the level of social change Mukhtaran Mai had brought in society, politicians could not bring at a political level.

Former senator Farhatullah Babar said Mr Ahsan has contributed greatly to politics and the country.

“Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto use to give weight to Mr Aitzaz’ suggestions,” he said.

Human rights activist I.A. Rehman said there were many dimensions to Mr Ahsan’s life, and it was not easy to understand him.

“He is a good poet, lawyer and politician. We were together in the jail,” he said.

Mukhtaran Mai said that Mr Ahsan was a big inspiration to her, and it was not possible for her to fight alone against influential people.

“I remember that a number of times I failed to reach the court but Mr Aitzaz, who was contesting my case, never missed a hearing,” she said.

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2019