Today marks the first death anniversary of IA Rehman, an iconic Pakistani human rights defender and journalist.

He spent his life defending human rights, opposing military dictators, fighting for the rule of law and democracy. He was also a strong voice for the country’s minorities, including Christians and Hindus.

During his time in HRCP, Rehman mentored scores of young human rights defenders across the country, all of whom recall his warmth, perspicacity and unshakable integrity.

The icon worked as an editor for various newspapers before joining the commission. He regularly contributed articles for several Pakistani newspapers.

As a veteran journalist he wrote with exceptional clarity to advocate an end to enforced disappearances and the death penalty, while defending constitutionalism, freedom of expression and the rights of religious minorities. Rehman campaigned for amendments to the country’s controversial blasphemy laws, which domestic and international rights groups say have often been used to intimidate religious minorities and to settle personal scores.