ISLAMABAD – Hundreds of people belonging to Christian community took to streets in Federal Capital on Thursday, burning tyres and blocking traffic in protest against the brutal killing of federal minister for minorities’ affairs Shahbaz Bhatti.
Two massive protest demonstrations were staged at IJP road and in front of press club, while small protests were also reported around the slum areas of the city.
Tyres were burnt to block the IJP road and slogans were raised against the terrorists. Protestors demanded of the government obtain the United Nation’s inquiry into the case. The traffic remained suspended for hours. Shahbaz Bhatti was shot dead the other day by self-claimed Punjabi Taliban over his opposition to blasphemy law.
Meanwhile, scores of people staged protest demonstration in front of Islamabad Press Club. Addressing to participants, minority leader, Sohil Romi said that the sacrifice rendered by Bhatti will not go to waste. He said that international lobby was hatching conspiracy against the Pakistan in the name of sectarian clashes. “The killers of Bhatti are not Muslim by any definition. They are fierce wolves who have been killing the people in the name of Islam,” he added.
“Long Live Pakistan, down with terrorism,” read a placard. Later on, the leaders of PPP local chapter also participated in protest to express solidarity with Christian community. PPP local leader, Shabir Baber said that Bhatti was not leader of only Christian community instead he was hero of party. “Entire nation is gripped by shock over Bhatti’s killing,” he said. The protesters also offered collective prayer for slain minister. People also visited his residence at Sector I/8 to mourn his death.
Vigil held to honour Bhatti’s sacrifices: Civil society members held a candlelight vigil on Thursday to appreciate the sacrifices of slain minorities affairs minister Shahbaz Bhatti and to demand the immediate arrest of his killers.
A large number of people including Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) workers attended the vigil, which was organised by Insani Huqooq Ittehad (IHI) here at Super Market. They were carrying candles and placards inscribed with slogans against extremism.
The late minister’s sister Rubina Bhatti told the crowd that the government’s stance on the blasphemy laws should be more straightforward. She said she was dissatisfied with the government’s plan to catch the culprits. She said condemning the murder was not enough and practical steps were needed to arrest the killers. “We can do nothing except speak out but the government can penalise the criminals,” a tearful Rubina said.
Human rights activist Tahira Abdullah told the crowd that the government should now wake and end its silence. “Our politicians can argue freely on the issue of Raymond Davis but why do they hesitate to speak on these brutal killings?” Tahira said. She said that the demand to amend the blasphemy law was intended to make it more in accordance with Islam. IHI member Rehana Hashmi said that all they demanded was a society open to dialogue, not an environment where people were afraid to indulge in any kind of discussion.
“Those who are supporting this radical attitude, if they have any logic, they should come and prove that through dialogue,” she added. She said further that everyone was entitled to their own opinions. She said Bhatti was a great human being and a genuine political worker. She also demanded arrests of clerics who issued decrees in favour of killing people.
Other speakers said that the minister’s murder was a great question mark on law and order in Pakistan. They said religious leaders were the only force that could change the situation.
