Hundreds gather to condemn Shahbaz Bhatti's assassination

KARACHI: The Christian community in Karachi condemned the assassination of Federal Minister for Minority Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti on Thursday, and demanded that the government arrest the culprits and give them exemplary punishments.

Hundreds of Christians, members of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Minority Wing, Human Rights groups and Christian community organisations, assembled at the Karachi Press Club to condemn the brutal killing of the minister.

The demonstrators carried placards and chanted slogans against the increasing amount of extremism in the country.

Speaking at the occasion, Pastor Robert said the ruthless and cold-blooded murder of Bhatti was a grave setback for the struggle for tolerance, pluralism and respect for human rights in Pakistan. He also termed the incident as a conspiracy against the country.

Robert added that Bhatti was a strong supporter of minority rights in Pakistan and his struggle and efforts would not go in vain. He said the minister always raised his voice against religious extremism and intolerance in the country and underlined the need to take steps to create harmony among all the sections of the society.

Massiha Millat Party Sindh President Liaquat Munawar Sourya also condemned the assassination of the slain minister. “Until certain black laws regarding minorities are not changed, such incidents will continue,” said Sourya.

He added that such cases are common in Punjab due to the landlord system, where people use such laws for personal enmities. “The law should remain the same but if someone falsely accuses someone then he should be charged under 297-C as well” Sourya added.

Mushtaq Matta of PPP Minority Wing demanded the immediate arrest and execution of the assassins.

“We give respect to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) even more than the Muslims. The laws are good but used for personal aims by people against the minorities,” said Matta.

He added that Bhatti and Salmaan Taseer were few of the figures who strived to give justice to the minorities and were silenced but their blood will give birth to revolution in the country.