Taseer's assassination branded as beginning of 'dark age' in Pak by HR activists

Islamabad, Jan 5 (ANI): Human Rights activists and members of civil society have condemned Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer's brutal murder, branding it as the beginning of a 'dark age' in the country.

Taseer was shot dead on Tuesday in Islamabad by one of his bodyguards, who opposed his criticism of blasphemy laws.

The Daily Times quoted renounced journalist and human rights activist, Hussain Naqi, as saying that Taseer had become a victim of the politics of extremism started by "our establishment with the introduction of controversial laws like the blasphemy law."

He further singled out Taseer as someone who had rendered himself not only as a voice of tolerance in society, but also took a clear stand against religious extremists by supporting their victims.ondemning the Government for being selfish as far as the blasphemy law is concerned, Naqi said that Taseer had fought for the rights of civil society, human rights activists and those who were becoming victims of misuse of these laws.

Meanwhile, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) minority wing leader, Napolean Qayyom, said that minorities and oppressed communities of Pakistan would never forget the great sacrifice of Taseer, adding that he was a lion who had lost his life while protecting the weak.

He said Taseer was not against the blasphemy law but only wanted to stop the misuse of such controversial laws in support of society and minorities.

Taseer's bodyguard Malik Mumtaz Qadri had shot him in his chest and neck killing him on the spot.

It is the most high-profile political killing in Pakistan since former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's assassination in December 2007. (ANI)