As we commemorated the death anniversary of martyr Salmaan Taseer, it looked a bit different from previous years. The Supreme Court (SC) has finally closed the Mumtaz Qadri’s chapter by declaring him a murderer, not a hero or champion of Islam. Qadri, a security guard of Punjab Elite Force, gunned down the then Governor Punjab, Salmaan Taseer, Jan 04, 2011, in broad daylight and proudly admitted the crime. But he was made a hero by religious parties who always look for a platform to divide the nation. He was garlanded by Pindi’s lawyers. The anti-terrorism court’s judge who sentenced him was forced to flee the country. Qadri was permitted to spread his poisonous thoughts even in the jail which led to murder of several inmates incarnated in the same jail on alleged blasphemy charges. Lahore High Court tried to water down the case by removing the anti-terror clauses against Qadri. All these attempts failed and SC declared in its landmark verdict, Oct 07, 2015, that just pointing out flaws in man-made (better say military dictator-made) blasphemy law is not a blasphemous act and Qadri shall be considered a murderer, not a hero.
But it’s still an unfinished task — though Qadri will be hanged sooner or later but what about those so-called religious ‘scholars’ who brain washed him? What about the sectarian outfits who are using this verdict to advance their agenda of hatred? Religious and sectarian parties are taking out rallies in support of Qadri, even his portraits were used by Jamat-e-Islami and Tahreek-e-Insaf during LG elections campaign in Karachi. Salmaan Taseer’s son, Shahbaz, who was kidnapped same year in August is still in terrorists’ custody. Aasia bibi, the poor farmer woman whom Salmaan Taseer met in jail in Dec 2010 is still being imprisoned in solitary confinement? Most importantly the blasphemy law is still there, not only intact but it’s being applied vigorously.
For some hanging of Qadri may be considered as delivery of justice, but for me it’s a long way to go. We are just cutting the branches, the poisonous roots are deep in the ground, still safe and intact.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia
