LAHORE – NGO’s expressed their concern on Punjab Governor Salman Taseer’s assassination and fear that Asiya’s blasphemy case, which had instigated certain groups against the governor, had also provoked the condemnation of human rights organizations that stood up against the blasphemy law.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) was first to condemn the assassination of Taseer, expressing grief and alarm at his murder and calling it a manifestation of growing intolerance in the society. A statement issued by HRCP said that it was saddened by the governor’s murder, which must be condemned by all ‘sane’ people, and said that it was alarmed at the ever growing shadow of intolerance and violence in the society. HRCP demanded a thorough inquiry to establish the motives of the killer so that people do not jump to conclusions.
“It will be exceedingly unfortunate if it turns out that the governor’s call for sanity, following the death sentence of Asiya Bibi on charges of blasphemy or differences with political opponents, in any way led to
his assassination,” said the
HRCP release.
The fact that the killer is a member of the Punjab Police Elite Force, formed to fight against terrorism, is also a matter of concern and shows the extent to which the protective services of the country have been infected by intolerance, said the release. South Asia Partnership Deputy Director Irfan Mufti told Pakistan Today that two aspects seemed to come up on the surface at this point in time.
“One aspect is that if leaders themselves are not safe, then how will citizens be safe? Every citizen at this point in time is feeling insecure and endangered. It shows that the state has been absolutely unsuccessful in providing security. Secondly, this incident has shown that even the protective forces of Pakistan are not safe from infiltration of extremist elements and hardliners,” says Mufti.
Mufti says that if people’s trust was intended to be brought back, murderer’s trial should be done at once and result should be announced within three days. Regarding the present situation concerning Asiya, he said it was feared that Asiya along with other people, who had gone against the blasphemy law, may be targeted.
The government, he says, should provide immediate security to other PPP leaders and parties who had earlier gone against the blasphemy law. Meanwhile, Shirkatgah condemned Taseer’s killing and said that this act was an attempt to silence the liberal forces in Pakistan and a clear indication that militant ideology has entrenched young minds, and the blasphemy law needs to be repealed.
Aurat Foundation Director Naeem Mirza says that although a collective press statement will be issued soon, the situation was extremely sensitive. “I will not make any controversial statements at the moment, but will definitely condemn this murder,” he said.
It will be exceedingly unfortunate if it turns out that the governor’s call for sanity, following the death sentence of Asiya Bibi on charges of blasphemy or differences with political opponents, in any way led to his assassination
