The 5th annual Asma Jahangir Conference took place over two days, April 27th and 28th, in Lahore, themed "People's Mandate: Safeguarding Civil Rights in South Asia. " Hosted by the AGHS Legal Aid Cell in collaboration with the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan and the Pakistan Bar Council, the conference gathered over 22 sessions and 80 speakers from across the globe, including representatives from India, Palestine, the EU, and the UK. Around 140 female lawyers from underrepresented areas of Pakistan and 140 prosecutors and ambassadors from more than 12 countries attended.

Throughout the conference, participants including lawyers, judges, journalists, rights activists, and students, resolved to carry forward the legacy of the late Asma Jahangir, who tirelessly advocated for justice, women's rights, and the protection of minorities.

Key sessions covered topics such as enforced disappearances, military courts, radicalized politics, and the shrinking space for women and minorities. Frederick Rawski, Human Rights Asia head at Facebook, addressed concerns about balancing content related to Israel and Palestine, acknowledging the challenges of handling pro-Palestine content on the platform.

Father Khalid Mukhtar recounted his firsthand experience at St. John's Church in Jaranwala and urged for swift legal proceedings against those responsible for vigilante acts. Farhat Haq criticized the politicization of blasphemy by the TLP. Lala Robin, chairman of the National Minorities Alliance of Pakistan, highlighted the lack of equality for religious minorities.

The closing session, led by Munizae Jahangir, emphasized the importance of safeguarding civil rights, calling for an end to military trials of civilians and the formation of a charter of fundamental rights. Nasreen Azhar, a founding member of the WAF, noted the challenges political parties face in promoting change, lamenting Pakistan's history of military rule. Farooq Naek, chairman of the Pakistan Bar Council, stressed the role of law as a shield for civilian rights.

Chief guest Yusuf Raza Gilani paid tribute to Asma Jahangir, recalling her work in striking down 58 2(b) and highlighting the judiciary's role in dismissing Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif and himself.

The conference also faced disruptions when a pro-Palestinian protester interrupted the speech of German Ambassador Grannas, criticizing Germany's stance on Palestinian rights. Despite this, the conference continued, concluding with a renewed commitment to advance civil rights in South Asia.