Fida Hussnain Lahore
German Ambassador to Pakistan Alfred Grannas faced interruption and protest as he took to the stage to address a conference titled ‘Peoples’ Mandate: Safeguarding Civil Rights in South Asia’ in Lahore on Saturday.
“Excuse me, Mr. Ambassador. I’m shocked by the audacity that you are here to talk about the civil rights while your country is brutally abusing the people speaking for the rights of the Palestinians,” a student addressed the Germany envoy at the conference held under the aegis of Asma Jahangir Legal Aid Cell, in collaboration with the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and Pakistan Bar Council.
The audience responded with applause and cheers to his remarks, accompanied by chants of “Free, Free Palestine” and “From the River to the Sea,”.
In response,
Ambassador Grannas, “If you want to shout, you can go out and shout there,”. The ambassador said that discussions have nothing to do with the shouting.
Following the incident, the Progressive Students Collective (PSC) condemned the ambassador’s perceived indifference to the plight of Palestinians. They accused the conference organizers of silencing dissenting voices while providing a platform for advocates of Palestinian genocide. Allegations of student mistreatment by event organizers also surfaced.
“Hypocrisy of the ambassador has been exposed by our members,” said the PSC leader.
Later, Ambassador Grannas resumed his speech, he emphasized that the cornerstone of all fundamental human rights lies in safeguarding human dignity, a sentiment echoed by Pakistan’s Constitution, particularly in Article 14.
Grannas emphasized the significance of academic discussions like the conference, saying that they provide essential input and inspiration for the judiciary. He said that the outcomes of such deliberations often shape court decisions, contributing to the protection and evolution of basic human rights.
Drawing parallels between Germany and Pakistan, he underscored the rarity of explicit guarantees for the inviolability of human dignity worldwide.
Discussing the pivotal role of the judiciary, he highlighted how courts not only interpret but also safeguard and enhance rights enshrined in the Constitution. Grannas stressed that the judiciary’s primary function is to uphold rights and prevent the erosion of the rule of law.
He commended Pakistan’s courts for their proactive interpretation of the law, citing instances where their rulings directly impacted citizens’ lives, such as abolishing outdated practices like the two-finger testing in rape cases.
Concluding on an optimistic note, the ambassador expressed hope for fruitful discussions, recognizing the value of gatherings like these in honoring Asma Jahangir’s legacy.
