IRI confers Democracy's Hero award on Pakistan's information minister Sherry Rehman

08 January 2009

Pakistan's federal minister for information Sherry Rehman has been conferred with the title 'democracy's hero' in recognition of her struggle to put Pakistan back on the track to democracy by the somewhat controversial International Republican Institute (IRI).

IRI conferred this title for Rehma's unstinting effort in the struggle for democracy in Pakistan by trying to initiate democratic reforms, empowering women and also her efforts to ensure press freedom through the introduction of various parliamentary bills.

Pakistanis from different walks of life hailed the Rehman being conferred the award, with Asma Jehangir, chairwoman, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), saying the IRI Award was in recognition of Rehman's struggle for democracy.

Talking to Pakistan media, Jehangir said that after winning this award, Rehman will have to speed up her efforts for strengthening democracy and freedom of media in Pakistan.

She said the award would also encourage other Pakistani women to come forward and fight for the protection of women rights.

Congratulating Rehman, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said that it was an honour not only for her but for the entire people of Pakistan, especially women who are taking an active part in strengthening the process of democracy in the country.