Pakistan Today – Taseer’s bitter sweet death anniversary

LAHORE - A large number of people from different walks of life on Wednesday attended the death anniversary of former Punjab governor Salman Taseer at his residence in Cavalry Ground. Punjab Governor Latif Khan Khosa, Former minister Khurshid Kasuri, former federal advisor Dr Salman Shah and Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) Pervaiz Rafique offered condolences to former governor’s wife Aamna Taseer and other family members. Renowned journalists, including Arif Nizami, Najam Sethi, Rashed Rehman and a large number of civil society members were also present on the occasion.
A Quran Khwani was held at the occasion and Maulana Tahir Ashrafi recited Dua at the end, praying to Allah to grant peace to Salman Taseer’s soul.
Talking to reporters, Governor Latif Khosa said that Salman Taseer had played an important role in the politics of Pakistan and Punjab especially.
He said that the former Punjab governor had spent his life with courage and fearlessness. He added that special efforts were being made for the release of Shahbaz Taseer.
Dr Salmaan Shah said that Salman Taseer had stood for the weak and underprivileged, adding that he was never afraid of controversies and did not remain silent about his stance on various issues. Salman had a big heart and the courage to face criticism without reacting, Dr Shah said.
Former minister Khurshid Kasuri said that Salman Taseer was a very enlightened, lively and brave person who didn’t budge an inch from his stance when he knew he was right. He said that his death was more than a political assassination and it was a message to all those who believe in justice, law and humanity, that the cancer of extremism and intolerance was on the verge of devouring us.
MPA Pervaiz Rafique said that Salmaan Taseer was a very down-to-earth person even after he assumed the office of governor.
PPP Minorities Wing, under Napolean Qayyum, also held a vigil and offered prayers for Taseer.
VIGIL: Civil society activists organised a candlelit vigil on the eve of the first death anniversary Taseer to pay rich tributes to him for his fearless stance on human rights and to demand justice in the form of strict punishment for his murderer Mumtaz Qadri.
The Institute of Peace and Secular Studies (IPSS) organised the vigil in collaboration with other human rights organizations at the Liberty Roundabout. The vigil was attended by various sections of society including youth peace activists to show solidarity for the cause of a diverse tolerant and peaceful Pakistan.
Syeda Deep, renowned right activists Abdullah Malik Advocate High Court Irfan Mufti, IA Rehman, Malik Hafeezur Rehman Shahtaj Qazalbash, Saleema Hashmi, Najam Sethi, Jugnu Mohsin, Najmi Saleem, Imtiaz Aalam, Salman Aabid, Faiza Malik, MPA Sajida Mir, MPA Riffat Sultana Dar, MPA Sagheera Islam, Maria B (BG), Ayesha Gohar, Amna Malik and PPP diehard worker Shabnam Kalashankov and many others were present there.
The demonstrators were holding various banners and placards inscribed with various slogans like, “Murder in the name of Prophet (PBUH) is blasphemy”; “Punish Qadri, Give us Justice; Salmaan you blood will bring a revolution; Zulam Ke Ye Zabtee – Hum Nahin Mantee (We condemn this law of injustice); Bhuley Shah Assan Marna Nahin Gor Paya Koi Hoor (Salmaan Taseer is still with us).