Pakistan: Kidnapping may influence Salman Taseer murder trial outcome

The All Pakistan Minorities Alliance, whose patron was also killed for demanding reform of the controversial laws, also condemned the abduction of Taseer in a resolution passed on August 28th.

Father Emmanuel Yousaf Mani lays a floral tribute on Salman Taseer’s
grave in Lahore (Photo: CathNews)

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Catholic News | India
By UCA News | August 30, 2011

Christian groups have condemned the kidnapping of the son of an assassinated governor who criticized the blasphemy laws in Lahore, Pakistan.

Government agencies have failed to recover Shahbaz Taseer, son of slain governor Salman Taseer, who was abducted August 26. Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani visited the residence of Taseer yesterday and assured the family of government’s support.

“The family is suffering since their head spoke up for Christians. One of the daughters, a journalist, has already fled the country after receiving threats. The abduction will only make situation more tense”, said Archbishop Emeritus Lawrence Saldanha of Lahore.

Although no terrorist group has claimed responsibility, Church workers fear it is an attempt to influence the trial of a bodyguard who allegedly killed the governor for vocally opposing the blasphemy laws in the country.


“We cancelled a protest last Saturday after the family pleaded that such actions would hamper the chances of Taseer’s recovery. We sense a bargain is being hammered out in secret,” said Behram Khan, national co-ordinator of the Catholic Bishops’ National Commission for Justice and Peace.

Archbishop Saldanha agrees. “It is wise not to press too much”, he said, adding he has no hope at present for repeal of the blasphemy laws. “The issue has been politicized and now any government that comes to power is helpless”, he said.

The All Pakistan Minorities Alliance, whose patron was also killed for demanding reform of the controversial laws, also condemned the abduction of Taseer in a resolution passed on August 28th. “It is a cowardly act. The government must take effective measures for his recovery”, it stated.

Meanwhile religious parties continue to support the alleged assassin of the late governor. “He is a hero, we want more like these”, said Hafiz Abdul Rehman Makki, head of political affairs at Jamaat-ud-Dawa, a religious group linked to the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Source:ucanews.com

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