Renowned journalist, columnist and human rights activist Ibn Abdur Rehman commonly known as I.A. Rehman passed away at the age of 90 in Lahore.
According to family sources, I.A. Rehman suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure. He is survived by his three sons and two daughters.
Following his demise, several politicians and renowned personalities took to social media to convey condolences and pay homage to the deceased.
Pakistan has lost a true icon today with the passing of I.A. Rehman. A staunch advocate and activist for Human Rights and an intellectual, I.A Rehman sahib leaves behind a rich legacy that speaks of tolerance, inclusion, equality and dignity.
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) April 12, 2021
Sad to hear of the passing of I A Rehman – a unique personality – as someone said "a marxist-democrat" who stood by & struggled steadfastly for what he believed in. Respect. RIP.
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) April 12, 2021
https://twitter.com/sherryrehman/status/1381482703007145985
معروف صحافی،کالم نگار اور ہیومن رائٹس کمیشن پاکستان کےسابقہ سیکریٹری جنرل آئی اے رحمان کےانتقال کا سن کر افسوس ہوا۔ملک آج ایک دانشور، عظیم رہنما اور انسانی حقوق اور مساوات کے علمبردار سے محروم ہو گیا ہے۔ان کی خدمات کوہمیشہ یادرکھا جائے گا۔اللہ تعالیٰ مرحوم کےدرجات بلند فرمائے pic.twitter.com/6JYGi6M7va
— Asad Qaiser (@AsadQaiserPTI) April 12, 2021
Deeply grieved to learn of I.A. Rehman Sahibs passing away. A lifetime spent in fighting for liberties and human rights. May his soul RIP
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) April 12, 2021
A giant intellectual and humanitarian I.A Rehman is no more, a true liberal and humanist I.A Rehman will always be missed #IARehman
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) April 12, 2021
I.A. Rehman was a protégé of renowned Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz and was the director of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) since 1990.
For his unmatched dedication towards protection of human rights, he was awarded by Human Rights Watch – a New York based human rights organization.
#IARehman, HRCP's honorary spokesperson, former secretary-general and veteran journalist has passed away. A titan of human rights, Mr Rehman's integrity, conscience and compassion were unparalleled. pic.twitter.com/IusELcPTSu
— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) April 12, 2021
Mr Rehman’s integrity, conscience and compassion were unparalleled, said HRCP.
I.A. Rehman was HRCP’s honorary spokesperson and former secretary-general.
For his services, he has also been awarded with Ramon Magsaysay Award for Peace and International Understanding (2004), Nuremberg International Human Rights Award (2003).