What kind of a world are we living in if a man can’t state his opposition against a repressive law, without losing his life? Just like Benazir Bhutto, prominent politician and assassinated wife of Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistani extremist continues to solve its disagreements through bloodshed. In return less and less people are speaking out against repressive laws or extremist groups. On January 4, 2011 Punjab Governor Salman Taseer was assassinated by his bodyguard who disagreed with him on his stand against the Pakistan’s blasphemy law. The blasphemy law holds a death sentence for anyone who insults the Islam. Mr. Taseer was an outspoken opponent of the law, which is believed to be discriminative and used to persecute minority faiths. One example is Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian mother of five children. As I write this she’s awaiting death by hanging, after being found guilty of a fabricated blasphemy charges, made up by her Muslim co-workers. Weeks before his death Mr. Taseer angered Islamists by appealing for Asia Bibi to be pardoned.
Pakistan is a toxic environment that is coupled with worsening economy and religious intolerance. After the assassination the bodyguard was hailed and even called a hero by Islamic clerics. But I believe a man that is really sincere and holds his country to his heart will never wish death on someone and leave alone killed his country men when he disagreed with them. There’s no glory in his act, he is a coward. The real hero is Salman Taseer who did not bow to forces of violence. Mr. Taseer was a man that showed courage and stood for democracy in the face of extremism. He is a martyr and will not be forgotten.
Our condolence go to his wife and children. The Soul Rebel Movement salutes you.