Finding something that not only makes your day better but also inspires hope that never goes away is not something that happens very often. These extraordinary events and encounters are so profound that they leave a lasting impression that lasts a lifetime.
Sanam Javed and Aliya Hamza have been behind bars for more than a year at this point. Their smiles have illuminated many a path in addition to their refusal to submit to the cruel state apparatus. When they leave the jail or the courts after being told they can’t post bail, they smile. They maintain that smile while being transported between towns on false accusations. They display their grin with their pals.
When faced with the terrifying ideas of their future, their families, their children, and the constant physical suffering at the hands of their captors, they wear that smile. However, that smile never goes away.
With unwavering bravery, they deliver their leader this message: “Tell Khan Sahib that he should not compromise because of us.” No matter what is thrown at us in the future, we will not buckle under pressure the way we have in the past. We’ll never give in to his weakness. We are and always will be his strength.
