Editorial

Conspiracy behind killing?

Was the heinous act of murder which ended the life of Governor Salman Taseer the act of a single, deranged fanatic?

Editorial January 06, 2011

Was the heinous act of murder which ended the life of Governor Salman Taseer the act of a single, deranged fanatic — or was there a wider conspiracy behind it?

The most direct suggestion that Taseer’s murder was politically motivated has come from law minister Babar Awan, who has said the intention was to derail the democratic process at a time when it is already in crisis. Though it is not clear how the murder of Taseer would tie up with the withdrawal of the JUI-F and MQM from treasury benches, it certainly adds to the problems faced by the PPP. President Zardari has been cautious, hinting at political motives but stressing that this aspect needed to be investigated.

There is no doubt that an investigation of high quality — and credibility — is essential. It is shocking that a man with a background as dubious as that of assassin Mumtaz Qadri was allowed to guard the governor. Qadri, associated in the past with at least one religious outfit, had been rejected for Special Branch duty. He himself had made the request to be assigned with the governor. Was the decision to favour him simply the result of a nonchalant approach? Or was there more to it? Had Qadri really informed his fellow guards of his plans as some reports suggest? These questions need to be answered.

We need to ensure that we do not get caught up in a tangled web of intrigue or constant exchange of accusations. Cooperation between the Punjab government, the central government, the police and other agencies is vital. If there was a broader conspiracy, it must be uncovered; if not, measures must be taken to remove men like Qadri from the police force. At the very least, negligence was involved in the death of Taseer. Others, too, could die if the matter is not properly inquired into and remedial measures taken.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 7^th, 2011.

COMMENTS (6)

Vidyut | 13 years ago | Reply No conspiracy. It is a symptom of the continued denial of the reach of the extremists to call this a conspiracy. It was out in the open. The mullahs had spoken. He was even burned in effigy. Check out the rallys. What conspiracy? Conspiracies are secret. It is utter delusion to call this openness a conspiracy. At the most, the conspiracy may have been in the guy asking for that duty and getting it, but even then, its not like security forces are born in a different place. If the population thinks like that, obviously, some percentage of security thinks that too. Liberal Pakistanis need to accept that the intent was out in the open, and they sat on their hands and did nothing and the man got killed. There was no conspiracy to exonerate anyone. Everyone knew that his life was at risk. No one thought of doing anything about it - or didn't have the guts. Salman Taseer died. The rest of it is only feel good finger pointing. Unless people get their heads out of unmentionable parts of their anatomies, you guys have two more persons at least in great danger - Sherry Rehman and Asia bibi. I hope someone finds a spine.

Humanity | 13 years ago | Reply The heads of the handful snakes could have been quashed by the baton of one policeman as reported in the Munir Kayani report on the 1953 riot. But the nation chose to cuddle the snakes. Only the demented would expect the snakes to bread doves. Welcome to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan!! Those worrying about their future generation should realize that civilizations are not murdered; instead they commit suicide like this nation has. This is a zombie nation with its soul sold to the devil. The nation is afraid of the mullah and not Allah. Until the fear of mullah is replaced by the fear of Allah the future generations are doomed. Always remember that by removing even a single one brick from the foundation, the whole pyramid comes crumbling down!! So reflect and figure out what should be done if the country is to be saved.