Salmaan Taseer's killer Mumtaz Qadri executed

The self-confessed killer convicted of killing ex-Punjab governor, was executed at Adiala Jail early Monday morning

Mumtaz Qadri, the self-confessed killer convicted of killing former Punjab governor Salmaan Taseer, was executed at the Adiala Jail early Monday morning.

Qadri, a former police commando, assassinated Taseer in Islamabad’s Kohsar Market on January 4, 2011 for his support to a blasphemy accused. An Anti-Terrorism Court convicted and condemned him to death – a ruling also upheld by the Islamabad High Court and Supreme Court.



A review petition of Qadri was also turned down by the top court on December 14 last year, leaving him with the last option of to file a clemency appeal to the president.

Religious parties had threatened nationwide protests if Qadri is hanged. In view of a possible backlash, the president’s family has been moved from Karachi to the Presidency in Islamabad, sources told The Express Tribune.

Day after historic SC ruling, #IamMumtazQadri trends in Pakistan

Reports of Qadri's execution started pouring in earlier today as his supporters started a Twitter trend to call for protests against the expected hanging.

Islam does not permit a murderer to be saved of punishment #MumtazQadri

— Hero Wizard (@HeroWizard) February 29, 2016

https://twitter.com/Karachiabad/status/704135925345947648

No support 4 blanket application of capital punishment. But #MumtazQadri, the killer, has met the fate a criminal should, under current law

— Marvi Sirmed (@marvisirmed) February 29, 2016