Monday’s debate in the National Assembly revolved around the Shikarpur incident. Lawmakers either spoke about apologists that shelter terrorist groups, or addressed the government’s weaknesses at handling the situation.
However, Awami National Party (ANP) Ghulam Ahmed Bilour took the occasion to show solidarity with the killers of the Charlie Hebdo team earlier this year. He has announced a bounty of $200,000 for Charlie Hebdo owners, and another $100,000 as compensation to the heirs of the three militants who were responsible for the murders.
Bilour had originally brought up the bounty in 2012 when caricatures of the prophet (PBUH) were published. He had been serving as the railway minister during that time under the PPP-led coalition government. Anyone who could kill the creators of the US video, which depicted caricatures of the religious personality, could get the money. It seems that the reward has been unclaimed since then and Bilour is planning to put it to good use now.
The statement was neither opposed nor supported by anyone. The outburst did not get any attention in the parliament, event Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq remained quiet and did not object.
As per the statement of assets and liabilities that have been filed under the Election Commission last year, Bilour’s total assets are worth Rs 39,155,588, which is roughly $389,679. After paying the bounty and the money to the heirs Bilour will be left with less than a third of his current worth.