Jalila Haider is a prominent Pakistani human rights attorney and political activist hailing from Quetta in Balochistan, Pakistan. Recognized as the inaugural female lawyer representing Quetta’s Hazara minority, she is a dedicated advocate for the rights of her marginalized community. Jalila Haider is an active member of the Awami Workers Party (AWP) and serves as the leader of the Balochistan chapter of the Women Democratic Front (WDF). Additionally, she is actively involved in the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM).
As part of her commitment to empowering local communities in Balochistan, she established the non-profit organization “We the Humans – Pakistan.” This organization focuses on enhancing opportunities for vulnerable women and children in the region.
Jalila Haider’s significant contributions to human rights and activism have garnered international recognition. In 2019, she was featured in the BBC’s prestigious list of 100 Women. Furthermore, in March 2020, the United States Department of State honored her as an International Woman of Courage. In 2022, she received the inaugural ‘Pakistan Peace Award’ in acknowledgment of her efforts and contributions towards fostering tolerance and sustainable peace within the country.
Early life and education
Jalila Haider, born on December 10, 1988, in Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan, is a distinguished individual with academic achievements. She earned her master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Balochistan, reflecting her commitment to knowledge and understanding in the field. This educational background has likely played a significant role in shaping her perspectives and capabilities as a human rights attorney and political activist.
Advocacy and Activism
Jalila Haider, a staunch supporter of vulnerable communities’ rights, has actively campaigned against human rights violations, including enforced disappearances and killings of Baloch political workers. She has led protests against the ethnic cleansing of the Hazaras and spoken out against atrocities faced by the Pashtuns, emphasizing their collective demand for the right to life guaranteed in the Constitution of Pakistan. Despite facing criticism and harassment, Haider remains steadfast in her commitment to addressing and condemning these injustices.
Hunger Strike for Hazara Community
In response to four targeted attacks on the Hazara community in April 2018, Jalila Haider took a decisive stance. She led a peaceful hunger strike camp outside the Quetta press club, lasting approximately five days. Haider and other leaders urged Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Qamar Javed Bajwa, to visit the community and take concrete measures to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure their security.
Despite inconclusive talks with Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, Federal Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, and Provincial Home Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, the hunger strike ended after Qamar Javed Bajwa assured security and protection for the Hazara community’s right to life. Subsequently, on May 2, 2018, Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar took suo moto notice of the Hazara killings. In a subsequent hearing on May 11, the targeted killings were labeled as ethnic cleansing, prompting Nisar to instruct all security agencies to submit reports on the forces behind these atrocities.
Legal Practice and Advocacy
In addition to her impactful political activism, Jalila Haider has a substantial legal career at the Balochistan Bar Council spanning several years. Her legal expertise is focused on defending women’s rights, and she offers pro bono legal services to those unable to afford representation. Haider addresses a diverse range of issues, including fair justice, extrajudicial killings, domestic violence, marriage disputes, sexual harassment, and property rights.
In 2018, she met with Mr. Ihsan Ghani, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), presenting the challenges faced by Hazara women dealing with social, economic, and administrative issues due to the loss of male breadwinners.
Haider actively contributes to the feminist struggle in Balochistan, challenging patriarchal norms and leading key movements such as the Aurat March.
Notably, in 2020, Haider was awarded a scholarship to the University of Sussex, a prominent public research university located in Falmer, Sussex, England.
Recognition and Awards
Jalila Haider’s contributions have garnered significant recognition and accolades:
- In 2014, she was honored as an Atlantic Council Emerging Leaders of Pakistan Fellow.
- Haider was a member of the inaugural batch of Pakistan Social Entrepreneurs recognized by Rajeev Circle Fellows in 2015.
- Recognized as one of Pakistan’s most influential and powerful women, she secured a spot on the ‘News Women Power 50’ list in 2015.
- In 2016, she was named a Swedish Institute Young Connectors of the Future Fellow.
- Haider’s inclusion in the BBC’s prestigious list of ‘100 Women’ in 2019 further underscored her inspiring and influential impact.
- Her dedication and courage were acknowledged on the international stage when she was chosen as an International Woman of Courage by the US Secretary of State in March 2020.
- Haider received the Hum TV Women Leaders Award in 2020, recognizing her outstanding achievements in the preceding year.
Facing Opposition and Challenges
Jalila Haider’s fearless activism against human rights abuses has not come without its share of challenges:
- She has been subjected to criticism from her society, facing opposition for her outspoken stance on human rights issues.
- Haider has endured threats and harassment from both state and non-state actors due to her unwavering commitment to advocating for justice and equality.
- In a notable incident in March 2019, her name was added to Pakistan’s Exit Control List (ECL) following her participation in public gatherings associated with the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, highlighting the adversity she faces for her activism.