Pakistani activist Sabeen Mahmud was honoured by the global affairs magazine Foreign Policy in its annual list of 100 Leading Global Thinkers for “creating a safe space in an illiberal society.” Listed under ‘Advocates’, Mahmud’s name appeared alongside 11 others who were also honoured for their contribution. The article read, “Mahmud was uncompromising in her commitment to free speech – even as she received death threats.” The 100 Leading Global Thinkers is an annual list of individuals who have contributed to the betterment of the world. The list honours individuals who have played a massive role towards the betterment of the society. Sabeen was shot dead by gunmen in an upscale neighbourhood of Karachi on April 24. She is the founder of T2F. It was established in 2007 as the first project of PeaceNiche and was the brainchild of Mahmud. It is a community space for open dialogue which provides a platform for people aiming for social change and it features a coffeehouse, bookshop, and exhibition gallery. Earlier in September, T2F was nominated for the Human Rights Tulip 2015 award. The award was to be presented by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs to those who promote and support human rights in innovative ways, with a prize worth €100.000 for the winner to further help their cause. After Mahmud’s death, her mother, Mahenaz Mahmud, decided to take the torch forward. She started an organisation, under her daughter’s name. “The Sabeen Mahmud Foundation (SMF) is a non-profit society registered in Karachi,” Mahenaz told local media. “In the aftermath of Sabeen’s tragic death, some of Sabeen’s close friends and family [members] decided to set up an organisation in her name that would continue and even expand on Sabeen’s work.”
Sabeen Mahmud among 100 Leading Global Thinkers
