LOC09:47
06:47 GMT
ISLAMABAD, Jan 5 (KUNA) -- The gory murder of Pakistans largest province
Punjab Governor, Salman Taseer, on Tuesday has opened a debate here that as to
how o tackle the growing extremism, fundamentalism and intolerance in the
society. It has triggered a wave of anger and disbelief across the country.
Salman Taseer was gunned down by one of his own official security guards,
who later told media that he killed him for supporting change in the Blasphemy
law. "He had called blasphemy law a black law", said the killer, who
surrendered himself to the police after killing the Governor.
The killer, being identified as Mumtaz Abdul Qadir, emptied two full
magazines of his official semi-automatic Kalashnikov rifle into the Governor.
The killer showed no signs of regret and he was as calm as any normal person
could.
"This indicates how dangerously radicalisation has crept from our society
into the security forces as well", said a local psychologist, Rizwana Aslam,
while talking to KUNA.
The murder has opened a debate among the scholars, policy makers and the
government, equally, as to how to tackle the growing extremism and
fundamentalism in the society.
"It is very dreadful that the Governor was murdered not by any outsider
rather his own security guard", opined a political analyst, Dr. Javed
Makhdoom. The extremism has infiltrated into the security apparatus as well,
he said.
Dr. Khamdi, a leading religious scholar, emphasized on the need of opening
the society to the freedom of reasoning and questioning.
Almost all newspapers here on Wednesday were filled with the need of change
in the education system. "Everyone should have a right to question any
notion", said Waqas Nasir, a young political scientist with strong religious
background. If I, he said, question the logic of a certain law, which is
related to religion, then it does not make me a kafir. He added that
Governor Salman has been punished for questioning the logic.
Governor Salman Taseer had opposed Pakistans controversial Blasphemy law
and been supporting amendments in it ever since a Christian woman, Aasia Bibi,
was sentenced to death by a local district court for allegedly committing
blasphemy. The Governor had said that Aasia Bibi, should be granted
presidential pardon.
His comments drew criticism from the religious circles and few announced
death money on his head. On 31th December, he had written on Twitter "I was
under huge pressure 2 cow down b4 rightest pressure on blasphemy. Refused.
Even if I'm the last man standing."
Only few hours before his murder, the Governor met with Federal Information
Minister and sought the ministrys assistance in conveying his right message
on the subject.
The death of Governor Salman Taseer has been termed has a great loss for
Pakistan. The government has announced three days of mourning and the National
flag will remain at half mast. (end)
amn.asa
KUNA 050947 Jan 11NNNN