KARACHI:
Shahbaz Taseer, son of late Governor Punjab Salmaan Taseer, was abducted from the Gulberg area of Lahore on Friday.
The Express Tribune’s Asad Kharal reports Taseer had left his house from Cavalry Ground in his silver Mercedes Kompressor (LZT-1) for his office around 10:15am. Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore said his car was intercepted by a black SUV and motorbike around 600 yards from the office and up to three men dragged Taseer out of the car and took him away.
Family sources said they had been informed of the kidnapping when a company driver passing by the area saw Taseer’s car abandoned in the street.
The kidnappers headed to Firdous Market via Cavalry Flyover, which leads straight to DHA Lahore and the cantonment areas. A traffic warden in the area reported a black SUV, white corolla and a motorbike sped through the area and made a sharp turn, which resulted in a black Kalashnikov dropping out of one of the cars.
“Shabhaz was out with a friend when four unidentified people kidnapped him,” his brother Sheryar Taseer told Reuters.
“Our family has been receiving threats from the Taliban and extremist groups,” he said, adding they could be behind the abduction.
Official sources said Shahbaz Taseer had some property disputes and had also been receiving threats recently.
No one has claimed responsibility.
Taseer was travelling without any security today and is normally reported to have travelled in a silver Prado with Elite force and police guards.
Police is also retrieving CCTV footage from the area to help with investigations.
One of the guards posted with Shahbaz Taseer was taken into custody and had his weapon seized when police questioned him and he revealed another guard was on leave. He had not left the house with Taseer but had later been told to go to the office.
Two police personnal, Liaquat and Sharafat, were posted with Taseer.
Police officials said the Taseer family had a total of 12 police and five Rangers personnel posted with them.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has taken notice of the incident and has issued directives to Inspector General of Police (IG) Punjab and Chief Secretary Punjab to take immediate action.
A Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) team, on the directives of Director Punjab and Interior Minister Rehman Malik, has started investigations.
A National Response Center for Cyber Crimes (NR3C) team visited the office, home and checked Shahbaz Taseer’s car to collect forensic evidence. The team consisted of Deputy Director NR3C Sajjid Akram Chaudhry, SHO NR3C Ahmer Naeem, forensic expert Abdul Ghaffar and hardware engineer Muhammad Usman.
Background
Shahbaz Taseer, who is the eldest son of former governor Salmaan Taseer, is a director in several companies his father founded, including Pace Pakistan Ltd., First Capital Equities Ltd., Media Times Ltd. and First Capital Securities Corp. Ltd.
This is the second high profile kidnapping in Lahore during the last two weeks. Earlier on August 13, armed men had abducted US aid expert Warren Weinstein from his residence in the city.
Late governor of Punjab, Salmaan Taseer was shot dead on January 4 this year by his security guard.
A vocal critic of the blasphemy law, Salmaan Taseer showed his overwhelming support for Aasia Bibi, the woman charged with making disrespectful remarks against the Holy Prophet (pbuh), and condemned the controversial law on several occasions.
Last week, the cleric who led the funeral prayers for Salmaan Taseer was forced to flee the country following threats.
According to a report by the Press Trust of India, Muhammad Afzal Chishti, the secretary general of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Ulema wing, left the country after having received numerous threats against his life.
COMMENTS (211)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
To begin with,a well written and informative article.
However I have a question that has been on my mind the moment I read the following line:
"Police officials said the Taseer family had a total of 12 police and five Rangers personnel posted with them."
What I do not understand is that why do these gov. personel have to employed with this family.Were not all the official benefits and security due to their father and should not all these benefits be dissolved?
I also do not understand the unjust and huge diversity the country has.Looking at the various Taseer family images, it is hard to imagine they live in the same city where electricity and water supplies are compromised for more then half a day and the simple citizens,for whom these governors are employed are suffering.
These are national assets that are being used for personal benefits, what is the explanation?
@Sad Panda: Dear, google the decision of the Federal Shariat Court regarding the Blasphemy law in 1990, in over 60 articles, this law has been validated, enough said.
First the CM orders IG to appoint suspicious ( religious extremist ) guards with former governor and now his son. Once the incident happens , they are first ones to get arrested. The arrest of guards is understandable as abductors knew Taseer is travelling alone and only his family or his guards would have known this fact.
In the war of the titans N league and PPP , these religious bigots are being used as pawns. Its the war between the richest and most influential families of Pakistan with one ( taseer ) having brains and other ( Shareefs ) having backing of religious extremists.
I meant "write" not "right" on my above comment.
what makes me wonder is that why is everybody so concerned about his car???????????
@Gilani "I said it before and say it again, check out what that devil incarnate salman rushdie did, if you want people like him to spawn here in Pakistan, your asking for trouble."
Well said, Sahib. If we give a inch to the liberals we will spawning Salman Rushdie's like frogs in the monsoon. Then will have to eat frogs like the French :-)
How many Salman Rushdie are walking around on this earth to warrant a law in Pakistan which is being used to kill so many and incarcerate so many others.
@Gilani, what you right is the truth and the rest is not??? Talk about being a narcissist person. You have not provided a single refrence from hadith, a similar law in a different islamic country(only Afghanistan has something similar to ours) or a any other reference from islamic history. As I said before you are packaging your views as facts are arguing.
@M:
Truth hurts doesnt it? I only said the truth about Taseer, and majority of the population agrees. I am no judge, but I have all right to comment on a person who has the power to influence lives just like you and other liberals can mock Dr. Amir Liaquat Hussain( and please, dont declare me his supporter or apologist of his video).
@Mobeen:
I dont understand, why do liberals generalize so much! Did I justify suicide attacks!? I only said that I disagree with the liberals( which also makes me a liberal in some sense) when I say that salman taseer was NO HERO! For that, I have been dubbed terrorist to fundamentalist!
@Sad Panda:
I said it before and say it again, check out what that devil incarnate salman rushdie did, if you want people like him to spawn here in Pakistan, your asking for trouble.
@Bob: Same is the case with yours, by the way, what I wrote is the truth, if you have evidences to the contrary which disproves the self-centered attitude, bring it.
Yeah everyone so called liberals are crying when these high profile kidnappings happen? They don't think about poor ones.
I agree with Dr SA Khan. The Taseer family should publicly appologise on TV for insulting the Blasphemy laws. I am sure he will be released. Although I don't 100% agree with what has happened to Tasser but he did insult Islam.
I did think hours on this tragic incident. I gone deep and tried to search the reason behide this then come to some conclusion.According to my anxious conclusion it is a result of some matters relating to the near past.
Sulman Tasee was governeor Punjab,he supported a woman trapped in blasphemy ring by saying some thing wrong.Not only majority of the people disliked it but his personal bodygaid was badly instigated by that and further more,availing a chance the body gaid,mumtaz Mumtaz Qadri short him to kill.
According to the present situation,killer is in jail and murder trial against him was going on,he is waiting his fate which is attributed to the judgment of the court.
You remember,he was brought to the court at the date of hearing and the people including many lawers assembled around him and showered rose petals.
We can not disregard,there is TTP in Pakistan operating in and around for paticular interestd.Many other orgnisation are in the field and have continued contact with each others.
Such oufits want to release the killer,so, uner a considered conspiracy they have kidnaped the sone of the slain governor for bargaing.
Bargianing process is going to take start,openly or serectly,you will see plwase wait.
@Abdul Rehman Gilani: I would have considered him a hero if he had done something worthwhile instead of chanting against the blasphemy laws just to please a particular mindset which exists in a minority in Pakistan
OK, NOW I get it what you've been trying to say all along. It's almost impossible for some people such as yourself, to rouse up courage within yourselves, and support someone who stands up for the underdog. Thank you for finally explaining the reason behind your stance.
@ibrahim:
symbolic representation of our country.
love how the PTV logo is on upside down.
@Abdul Rehman Gilani: shame on ur thinking - which mindset you are talking abt - the same which kill muslims while praying in mosques and yes you will never call it blasphemy. Corruption, injustice and fraud in the name of Islam is not blasphemy and to raise voice against a law which is used for discrimination is blasphemy.
@Abdul Rehman Gilani:
Sorry, but your opinions aren't "the truth" no matter how much you wish it were so.
People need to stop blogging, tweeting, commenting on why there is so much publicity for just one guy and what about the other people who get kidnapped. WELL, really it's because the Taseer family has done what no one could, they have said what no one could say, they have stood against injustice when no else did. Yes it is sad that people get kidnapped, shot, beaten to death, etc, but the reason why there isn't so much publicity for those people its because as citizens of Pakistan they haven't done anything to make this country a better place to live in, the Taseer's also being citizens of Pakistan try their best to make this country a better place to live in. Their family is a role model for every citizen in Pakistan. The Taseer's don't just live for themselves they live for Pakistan. They don't care about what happens to their lives but they do care what happens in Pakistan, the injustice that we are subjected to every day of lives, the barbarianism we have to cope up with every day, they speak up against all the atrocities. For those of you who think this is what the family deserved, that is your opinion I cannot change it, no one can, but if you have at least an inch of humanity then don't write such degrading, horrible and disgusting comments. For the sake of mere humanity. For the sake of what's left of this excuse of a country, lets unite and pray for the well being of Shahbaz Taseer.
@Sad Panda: "What does Kashmir has to do with this sad episode?" ? Here's what if you still can't get it:- Even after such atrocities and lawnessness Pakistanis will not raise a finger against the perpetrators and their supporters, but even support them!!!! But talk about USA, Kashmir, Norway and Denmark, you are guaranteed of chest thumping thousands on the streets!!! LOL!! This irony really amuses me no end!!
I hope he comes back home safe and sound. I feel sorry for what has happened. Having sae). id that i feel sorry for that poor guy stripped naked and forced to perform unspeakable sexual acts and whose fate is unknown (probably killed). I feel sorry for the other naked man lying still with a hood over his head (not sure if he was dead or alive). I feel sorry for them because they were being abused and tortured in full knowledge that they would be killed once their kidnappers were done with their fun. Those men died in the knowledge that there would be no protest, no candlelight vigil, no endless calls to bring their killers to justice, In short because they literally were nobodies, nobody really cares.
There is a class of people in this country who prefer to live in their own little bubble and only come out to protest once that bubble is breached. Other than that the rest of the poor sods can just go to hell while they dine on their caviare and sip their vodka etc.. etc..
@Abdul Rehman Gilani So what if he was an open drinker. You are saying that justifies him getting killed or bad things happening to him. If you know anything about Islam, realize that judging people is the biggest sin. Only God can judge us, not you, or Mumtaz Qadri, or the Taliban, al Qaeda, Lashkar e jhangvi, sipah-e-sahaba etc... Look at your own inner self before remarking about peoples private lives.
May God keep this young man out of harm's way.
@Abdul Rehman Gilani: Better to make a man like Salman Taseer, who died because he stood up for someone, into a hero. Than, make a hero out of his cold blooded killer, who apparently couldn't 'control himself' because he was too ignorant of the same faith he claims to follow. Wouldn't you say?
It is a pity to see the whole state apparatus in function when somebody high profile gets abducted. Are other Pakistanis NOT Pakistanis, or simply just not human. What a coincidence when shahbaz bhatti was murdered "coincidentally" he did not opt for security that day. Same is the case with Shahbaz Taseer. This govt is either accomplice or incompetent. I pray for safe and urgent return for Shahbaz Taseer.
I wasn't aware of this "Aasia bibi" until now, this country seems to be getting more polarised with each passing day!!!
A traffic warden in the area reported a black SUV, white corolla and a motorbike sped through the area and made a sharp turn, which resulted in a black Kalashnikov dropping out of one of the cars.
Ah! The everpresent 'white corolla'. Any idea where do they come from and where do they go. Those in doubt may read Mohammad Hanif's 'A Case of Exploding Mangoes'.
Why police is not so efficient for common man? I even did not know that police have forensic experts and laboratories. Well may be they are used only for rich people cases.
who cares about 98% common man.
@Mustafa Khan:
Dear, when seculars give insulting remarks to Zia-ul Haq, its "freedom of expression", But if someone talks truthfully about a trait that was OPEN regarding Taseer then liberal/seculars become the obelisks of virtue and professors of religion and hence issue a "fatwaa" declaring it ghaybat. So I suggest that before you preach others, check out your own hypocrisy.
@Amir:
Your absolutely right. Hundreds are killed by "liberal secular" ANP,MQM,PPP but these liberals stay silent...... but if shahbaz is wrongly abducted they go into a frenzy!
A son has been kidnapped – (blame the media if it chooses to project the Taseers and not many of the “pious” individuals posting here) – but don’t hold the family publicly accountable against your moral standards.
Something like this should not be wished upon anyone – rich/poor/muslim/non-muslim.
Just imagine what your mother would go through if this happened to you. and maybe then, you’ll refrain from the absurdity you’re spreading.
Another SAD thing as an human
Rana Sanaullah has links with such groups. May be he gives some lead if questioned. I wish Taseer returns home safely.
Foreign hand should not be ruled out.
I will advise Taseer Family to say SORRY for what Salman taseer said about blasphemy law at that time. This will give a soft message to those who targeted salman taseer. But foreign hand should not be ruled out.
very sad
Time is coming to develop a new Communiting police system . There is no long term planning of police who's make sure that a new advance and active system of policing . Criminal is advanced day by day and also moving one province to another After the operation launch in Karachi . Why police is always waiting for another incident . Its time to CHANGE the System.
@Atif Anjum: How naive you are to think that the "Phroot walas" on the M M Alam road conspired this kidnapping, perhaps because Taseer would'nt let them park their thelas near his office.
Extremism here is not reaching a conclusive deduction, but the kidnapping of someone that happened in broad daylight. Neither you nor I could this. It has to be a political party or a banned group. Weinstein's kidnapping of a similar pattern has been owned by Tehreek-Taliban
@Gunahgar: You are a gunahgar for your reasoning. Rest Allah will judge.
Here your "poor" had a Toyota Land Cruiser, a White Corolla, several bikes and so many klashinkovs stuffed in them that they just popped out on turnings. And yeh they were acing it on petrol. Even a middle-class person like me cant afford to drive my FX when theres no CNG.
@Abdul Rehman Gilani:
Yes, why not? Are you proud that people disappear on our streets into thin air until huge ransoms make exchange and find their ways into pockets of policemen and politicians? Can you fathom that a person with such security can be targeted, then think about yourself and me.
And what one is in their personal lives, is none of your business. Or is it that now you seem to have taken over the role of judgement also from Allah. He shall punish those he deems sinful and it is not your business to cry for blood just because somebody drinks. If you really think that is the case, say nuke Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait- these places and the people here drink a lot more than people in Pakistan and God forbid they speak the "Lugha-al-Aseel" (Arabic) with the same mouth that drinks from bottles.
If you are so upright, I did also like to see you condemn yourself for you have just committed "Ghibat", a frightful sin talking about a dead man. But then, its you in your anonymity and spewing hatred is so much easier.
Pakistan is on the brink of failure. But what will really push us over the edge is that people like you who are educated and supposedly young, smart and upcoming are blind to accept reality. Its you not these politicians who will make a failed state. You Gilani, you.
@Trbune Moderators
I notice that my comment has not been posted even though I had only mentioned some facts about hinduism. but this Arjun's comments have been posted. Please have his comment removed as he is provoking and insulting muslims by his blasphemous comment.
Please be careful not to publish such comments and kindly have his comment removed.
@Aftab Kenneth Wilson: well, Mr have you ever made this demand for Karachi, where hundreds of people have been murdered in most foul ways. Where politicians are killing people. I don't understand why our media and so called liberals cry foul when they are hurt and continue playing harping peace, when bodies of innocent are drilled and young boys are raped in Karachi. It is shameful and disgusting.
I regret at ur poor memory Mr.Amir. Killing in Karachi is not new phenomena to be atributed to PPP. It started in mid 80s. In 1986, I was in Karachi, killing of average 200 citizen was common. Abduction of Shahbaz Taseer is tragic. His father was only politician who was not at least hypocrite.
@sulman: what you think of Traffic Warden ? o yeah he is equipped with IRON MAN suite ?
Pakistan main problems are these so called liberals. They plundered the country and its people and left poor with no option except kidnapping and suicide attacks. They can get away with every wrong, no matter how is serious that is. They twist laws for their own purposes and can mock superior courts and law is slave to them. Law only comes into action against poor, while to protect skin of Moonis Elahi FIA high ups perpetrate bomb hoaxes at their own head office. The only opportunity poor have in this country to either either become militants or robbers, no other way. ST was good man and died for a cause, very well, but would it not have been good to pay his employees-who are without pay for around a year- instead of locking horns with well established ethos of a society.
@Amir: okay he is an elite so what? he is being given coverage because he is the son of our late governor not just because he is an elite. And about the kidnapping of an ordinary man, haven't you seen the latest coverage on karachi violence in express tribune, geo news etc etc? what more do you want? i think the media have covered enough of that too.
my prayers are with taseer family, inshAllah he will return very soon safely. and to all haters, get off, taseers are one of the most courageous ppl of pakistan that besides the tragic death of salman taseer, they decided to stay in pakistan. Salman taseer was one of the most charitable and outspoken people. he went to help out the flood victims last year. He did not get his deserved pay as being a governor. Please give him and his family some respect PLEASE.
@MS - Mariya: With all respects, can you please honestly tell me that when son/daughter of ordinary person(daily wager/poor) is kidnapped then do our police, media and other agencies act in similar fashion as they acted today? no way madam, no way. Police don't even bother to listen to these "Pakistanis". Mr Shahbaz is not an ordinary man, he belong to elite class who can buy every thing in this dear homeland ,even justice.
For @Abdul Rehman Gilani & his followers this is not about secular's and liberals its about intolerance from religious extremist who have decided to be judge and jury. They have warped Islam to their benefit and have decided the fate of Pakistan to be a failed violent state. Their intolerance to minorities and the persecution and death of people with different opinions is a contrast of the real practices and meaning of Islam. Mr. Jinnah never did vision of this sick twisted intolerant religious extremist society for Pakistan. We need to take back our country from religious fanatics and that seems an enormous tasks that has no immediate leaders.
Simply impose Governor's Rule in Punjab. The rulers of this province are known sleeping partners with blacklisted and banned outfit. Jehadi groups are preaching hate and moving around freely stuffed with latest armament. Pointed nurseries of extremists have already been pointed out both by the local and foreign agencies. It is time to take action before this province brings down the whole system of governance in our country. Judiciary and law enforcers of lesser importance have totally failed or are incapable to act against these barbarians.
A German cleric in Nazi Germany said , " first they came for the communists then they came for the trade unionists ? Then they came for the Jews I did not speak out because I was not a Jew . Then they came for me and there was no body left to speak for me " Beware time is fast approaching when none will be spared " .
I don't find words to express my outrage on this act of terror with a family. How much more blood would be enough to satisfy the hatered of religious terrorists and their apologists? Very soon the independent judiciary would find this case "a personal" dispute. If Qadri did not kill Taseer in front of dozens of people, that murder would also be on the basis of personal disputes. Sorry to say, but the way things are moving, like Bhuttos, not a single Taseer would be left alive.
@SNE: Its all sad , but they were a part of creating unfair and unjustice political culture. Root cause is corruption and undue interference in system . Now its a vicious circle and everybody is victim.
@narayana murthy: Its very very sad in india.
Its like watching a latest usual third class bollywood movie. Human right activist gets killed outside her house, Minorities getting killed in Orissa and forced to convert, kidnappings in bihar along with floods, priyanca husband corruption, 3year old gets killed by dad in Mumbai, film star rapes his maid….
The worst part is that the cast doesn’t seem to know that they are in a horror movie with an end like 1947. Sorry another worst part of the movie…the whole cast is soo ugly to look at.
@sulman: Here no common man has equal opportunity or even basic rights, what to talk about minorities.
@Amer: You should care because you are a human being. Do not generalize.
“As Punjab goes under the yoke of Talibanisation, with a series of terrorist attacks and kidnappings rocking the province, the Punjab CM’s heart bleeds for targeted killings in Karachi.” Why does this have the age old tint of what happens in one city is more important than the other, when both are facing terror? But yes, there are ills all over that need to be dealt with but who will hold these politicians accountable? The media? The citizens? No one who can will. Everyone just wants their bread buttered. Eid is only a couple of days away.In my small town in malaysia muslims working outstation are coming to their parents and their home town.We are seeing trafic jams with the amount of cars coming here.We are a multiracial society with chinese,indians,sikhs {in malaysia sikhs are not called indians]There is a carnival atmosphere.Take a look at your nation.How many families throughout pakistan especially in karachi,baluchistan and punjab are going to celebrate this joyous occason or are they going to grief.WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO YOU PAKISTAN?It is unfortunate what happened to Mr. Warren Weinstein and Mr. Shahbaz Taseer. The article though correct to point out inefficiencies of Mr. Shahbaz Sharif is unfair in its assessment towards him on the issue of visiting Karachi / Sindh victims. Same applies to the article’s position on Mr. Imran Khan. As far as I remember, Mr. Imran Khan never condoned murder of Mr. Salman Taseer or similar extremist acts.
@mind control: i think she talked about your or her father
@syed kashif Hassnain rizvi: STOP, Why you are going to start sectarian war here, stop it. Why blaming one step, shame shame on you type of people.
@Zahid Islam Shame on you! Why we have such stone hearted people. Why we start dividing heaven and hell to people based on our judgement. Focus on your own deeds. What to do you know about Shahbaz??? Nothing??? Then stop passing such remarks and pray that he returns home safely. Pakistan is not a safe place to live anymore unfortunately. May Allah drow his blessings on this nation Ameen.
@Abdul Rehman Gilani: i actually take offense to you judging a man's character based just on his consumption of alcohol and going so far as to rob him of the social status as a Shaheed/martyr. now if you are a staunch or even a partial mazhabi, you will be aware that all sins are forgiven by Allah's will save from SHIRK and Hakook Ul Ibad (i.e human rights). basic O level / Matric Islamiyat.
Frankly, people supporting a certain kind of hypocrisy should have their own women flogged for "be-sharmi" just to understand what we are fighting for.
have you ever heard of a liberal kidnapping a molvi and beheading him ? or worse shaving his beard !!
p.s and the whole bin laden episode, if you cant take care of your mess, the world will come clean you up. remember east pakistan? "fight till the last man?" lol. the loudest ones are the weakest ones.
@Shaheryar Kazi: right.. dont worry. Then leave this discussion.
@Arindom: What does criminality have to do with the state repression of Kashmir by India? What does this have to do with a United Nations referendum which calls on India to allow the people of occupied Kashmir the freedom to choose their own destiny and join their compatriots in Pakistan. Abducting Shahbaz Taseer is an act of criminality and hopefully Shahbaz Taseer will be recovered from these criminals. It's funny how Indians never miss a chance to bad mouth Pakistan. Shows their level of obsession.
I am seriously thinking of immigrating to some other country now...... This country has become a jungle. No one is safe.. not even in their homes!
@goggi: So are you calling (your own words not mine) pakistanis and mullahs as wolfs ?
Does every Pakistani have the right to call or kidnap another based on his view of the others religious infringments ? Is so then Pakistan is truly as failed state.
@sars:
Please step out of your ignorance, no one here, including me, have justified this kidnapping, but that still does not make taseer some hero.
@Abdul Rehman Gilani.
Since you are characterizing us a liberal minority, thus excluding yourself. You suggest that we are the real Pakistanis fulfilling the true vision of Jinnah, a SECULAR LIBERAL state. In which minorities were given equal opportunity.
@M.Akthar: Its not a movie scene
I had earlier stated in my first comment that I will be dubbed as an extremist, and I have been proven correct, the infinitesimal liberals have already issued a "fatwa" declaring me an extremist and hence kicked me out of the borders of humanity!
@Kashif, Your right.
@gilani sahib and supporters: No matter what people do in thweir private lives, they do not deserve to get kidnapped or killed by anyone.If you cannot understand this maybe you need to get back to the basics. At least no so called"secular /liberal" people are baying for anyones blood and accepting kidnapping as okay if the person drinks.This is a disgusting andf pathetic mindset and shame on you.
@Pakistani: This is our double standard and hypocrisy, that a liberal minority have made taseer a hero, which he wasnt.
@Shaheryar Kazi:
I thank you for realizing my point.
@khan: Its an obligation to live clean and die courageously to be entitled for Shahada ... not while u r indulged in hooking with someone and die ...
Vienna,26-08-2011 Friends across the border,save your country at least for yourself and children.No outsider makes sovereignty claim on Pakistan territory or eager get into Pakistani soil even as guest. Taravadu Taranga Trust for Media Monitoring TTTMM India--Kulamarva Balakrishna
Shame on all of us, we could not protect child of bravest and most courageou Pakistani. Qadris are ruling, Qadris are killing, Qadris are protecting and Qadris are investigating.
This is very very sad.
It's like watching a b-grade bollywood movie of the 70s...Hero's father gets killed, his sister gets raped, his brother gets shot at...
...well in Bollywood movies, there's a happy ending. Here, it looks like the only end is a further division of Pakistan.
@Pakistani: Blind support to political mafias is one reason. Culture of corruption, political influence on each and every investigation(or other govt. matters), personal gains , non implememetation of judicial orders has created this lawlessness and now poor and rich both are victims
I really don't feel sorry for the guy just cuz his father was the previous governor. Kids get killed and kidnapped everyday in this country. Has the governor of Punjab ever even thought of doing anything for them? Really couldn't care less for these people anymore! They don't care about us so why should we bother?
@Realist.: 1.They are bound to protect every person in their jurisdiction . 2. Taseer family is not a special one , Mr. Big Taseer ever cared about rule of law ? Did he ever care about abductions for ransome ? Why are you complaining now?
I am not condoning Mr Taseer's abduction and may he be InshAllah recovered soon, but it is clear that had it not been for his surname, there would not have been any headlines, breaking news, special notices by our crony government or deployment of special investigative teams. Correct me if I am wrong but has Mr Taseer done any service to this country, is he a national hero, does he pay more taxes than the average Pakistani or is he made of gold? Why do those in the corridors of power enjoy a sense of special entitlement? And why isn't a man getting abducted from, say Baghbanpura, not as important as Mr Taseer? Justice should indeed be done, but justice should be done for all!
I am sad but not shocked. I was expecting it in present circumstances. My first guess is that its work of a family member, secondly its for ransom demand. Everyone in kidnapping business knows about the billions this guy got after the murder of his father. I don't believe any terrorist organization is behind it. Why would they do it when no one in Pakistan has courage to touch their man (Qadri) in jail. Qadri himself does not want to come out. He is enjoying best moments of his life there..
It is not about religious extremism , it is about rule of law. When his father or his party was (or is) in power ,did he do anything to help enforce laws or nourish a safe culture for a common man . Open drinking is against law , so he was a lawbreaker ; he always used his position or influence to beat his rival companies and produced an unhealthy competition and killed so many businesses. It goes around and it comes around(in another shape).
@D: poor family !!! hah
@MS-Mariya to Abdul Rehman Gilani
No this country is not a failed state but people like you has messed my country. ‘open drinker’..well our founding father Jinnah was an open drinker. What are you doing in his country?
I have often disagreed with you, but not on this. Bravo, you said this as it needed to be said.
Oho wow thats so cool :D now lets have a movie like exchange of Qadri and Shahbaz :D
I feel sorry for that but it happened ( and his father's death too) because of lawlessness in the country. His father was a king of corruption and made progress by using his influence, position and political bribes . When you support and nurture a culture of corruption and power politics , this is bound to happen . They never care about rule of law , so whats the complain now ?
If ANYTHING Happens to him. this time its Rana Sanaullah & Shahbaz Shareef to be BLAMED!! They are BOUND to protect taseer's Family.!!
@Sher-e-Sehrah: Completely agree! I said five years ago when everyone was crying for Mush to leave and begging for elections that wait till PPP or PML-N comes into power - you all will be crying for Musharraf then. Sad to say but TOLD YA SO!! Now enjoy what you all voted in! Well done indeed.
Rehman malik will say "It was his girl friend who did this.. She was wearing dress like star war..."
Amir,
I think I missed you on so many protest demos held to raise voice for Karachi, missed you in the citizens delegations going to political parties for Karachi peace? I think I should get my eyes tested?
@khan: Hazrat Hamza stopped drinking when Islamic injuctions restricting/prohibiting alcohol were revealed. And he was martyred in this state of abstinence from alcohol. It's the stopping and repenting that counts. Salman Taseer, on the other hand, kept drinking till the very end of his life.
Please stop comparing the esteemed Sahabas to Salman Taseer. Or to any other politician for that matter. It's the last analogy any sane Muslim would make...
its too early to point fingers at anyone. Anyone could be behind the kidnapping. Personal enemies to settle a score while everyone suspects its the taliban, could even be relatives or family for salmaan taseer's wealth- to have one less shareholder! The main point is that this current government is a complete failure- be it Karachi or Lahore or Islamabad. There is no law, no order. Pervez Musharraf's time was much better...but you guys had him ousted and you guys voted for Zardari, so now enjoy your time with your favourite elected government!!
"Congratulations Salman Taseer you made it Better be dead then be counted among sadists blasphemy laws leaves no place for optimist Yes Salman Taseer you were Shot by a moralist
Live and let live(109:6) is the message of the Qur’an The Prophet(saw) followed it for he is the sultan When in the prophet’s life do you here of a blasphemy law It’s your killers whose ideology is flawed
Your killers are too cowardly to see their sin It’s the curse of hate that Pakistan finds itself in We all make mistakes Salman Taseer you are no stranger But Allah is compassionate and forgiving to those who are braver.
Rest in peace Salman Taseer you proved you were brave It’s the silent majority who needs to now take your place"
Allah...what's going on......Will there ever be an end to all this. O! my fellow country men join hands together for this country.Don't fall prey to the ugly motives of the wrong doers by pointing fingers at liberals or rightists.Its just one hell of a dirty game.
Atif Anjum,
Oh you are soooooooo concerned about Kashmir? Cat gets your tongue about Balochistan, Karachi? Don't google just write the figures as to how many got killed in Karachi and Balochistan? Wow! Your heart is crying, bleeding for strangers but no mention of the massacres, genocide in your house. What a great hypocrite you are! Stop petending that you aresincere to Kashmir, you just hate India.
This is the price he had to pay for the very bold article which appeared under his name in the NEW YORK TIMES only a few weeks ago, and which must have ruffled the feathers of many people in Pakistan. He should have stayed back in New York for another six months or so before returning to Lahore. There is every chance of his body being dumped in the river Ravi in the not-so-distant future!
The only people bringing Islam into disrepute are thr Mullahs of Pakistan and those who follow them blindly without reasoning or thinking. This Mullahism has replaced Islam in the minds of Pakistanis and needs be tackled by all Pakistanis as it is destroying their nation like a cancerous tumour.
May Allah bring Islamic awareness and hidayat to Pakistanis and courage to tackle these bearded jahils.
Mohammed Abbasi The Association of British Muslims
This mishap is clearly an omen that anyone who goes against the religion will not only suffer himself but his whole generation is deemed to suffer!
@Rahman Punjab government is not sleeping they are fully awake and laughingIt baffles me that our fellow countrymen bring alcohol and India into the equation, Salman was a great person and let God be the judge of peoples so-called sins, our so-called Muslims condemn trivia like alcohol whereas they are murdering, kidnapping and commiting countless crimes in the name of Islam, when will this nation wake up. I wish the family all the strength to bear this and pray he will be returned safely.
Rehman Malik should go to Lahore.
may be they are Qadri's supporters who killed governor.
@ Galani for haven sake stop dividing us, a human being is kidnaped, May he return home safe and sound. I condemn all the kidnaps and extra judicial killing be it Salman taseer or ppl in tribal area. Hope the better sense will prevail and peace will come to my country. PTI, Narowal
Sad...really hope and pray things get better soon....
It's as Ali S says. It's Pakistan, not some Scandinavian country. It's not like we give a wooden nickel about minority rights, or human rights in general.
@M.Akthar: You have a good point there buddy. My Salams to you.
@khan: How you compare this guy with Hazrat Hamza?
If timely the KILLER was punished,it would have been a safe for others but even the KILLER admits the CRIME but we are waiting for PROOFS.O' ALMIGHTY ALLAH save US from so called Muslims n make US real MUSLIM,lover of peace.
@D: Poor :D
i am in shock. what is going to happen to him and what is going to happen with the people of pakistan :(
btw i live in that area. and theres army installations all around, not to mention army checkpoints. there's army shooting range, r.a bazar and some regiments on the left and defence area if they turned right. not the ideal hiding places unless of course...
@Ahmed: Very true. @Adeel759: You should leave Pakistan and move to so called secular state like India, where babri mosque, Gujrat 3000+ muslim killings incidents are so common. Pakistan made on the name of Islam, if itz not true then why we separated from India.
@Erum: Cant agree more. The actual cause of grief has been pushed somewhere behind the corners of my mind. Instead I'm now mourning over what a pathetice and intolerant nation we have become.
@ Galani for haven sake stop dividing us, a human being is kidnaped, May he return home safe and sound. I condemn all the kidnaps and extra judicial killing be it Salman taseer or ppl in tribal area. Hope the better sense will prevail and peace will come to my country. PTI, Norway
who save one life ...save whole humanity ..and person who kill some one kill whole humanity ...i pray ALLAH protect him ameen
"Taseer family had a total of 12 police and five Rangers personnel posted with them." A wealthy family can look after it's own security using it's own wealth. Here we have 17 personel looking after a family. Now imagine all the current polititioans and ex-polititians having such arrangements. No wonder the poor has to look after themselves and bear the brunt of the criminals.
What a brave and patriotic lot Taseers are! I'm sure ST's family could easily have moved abroad after Qadri's savagery but they have courageously stayed on in Pakistan. Shahbaz has had to pay a heavy price today for his father's principled stance against the fanatic face of organized religion. Here's hoping he returns home safely. Pakistan faces a fierce struggle in the years ahead to free itself from the clutches of insanity.
Supporters of Qadri go die in a cave. You and your kind have left my country in tatters.
Salman Taseer was following the footsteps of our Holy Prophet (saw) in protecting the down trodden and speaking against the maulana made un-Islamic blasphemy law.
Atif Anjum and Abdul Rehman Gilani - just to let you know that backbiting about someone i.e. saying something that would hurt the person in question if they heard it (which is what you're doing) has been stated in the Quran as being the equivalent of eating your dead brother's flesh. The Prophet (SAW) also said that backbiting was a sin graver than adultery. (for your reference: http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/hadeeth/riyad/17/chap254.htm). Think about that. Don't just demonise drinking because you're ignorant- there are far worse things than drinking and you're practicing one of them.
shameful act...we've no humanity left in us!
this is sad news but tellme one t hing that sulmans family knows that taliban want to kill them ..then why they r travelling alone and on mercedeze ...
@Abdul Rehman Gilani a remarkable example of why our beloved country is in the state it is today. No one is dreaming of a 'liberal' Pakistan. But, the ones crying here (and all over this nation which resembles a sea of blood) are dreaming of a PEACEFUL nation. Those opposing that same peace by condoning murders, usually claim to be the most pious of all, but are filled with nothing but hatred. - Yes, Salman Taseer drank openly, but Mr. Gilani, did all those 50 something people recently blown up in a mosque also drink? Are the women and children in the market places which blow up also immoral? What is wrong with people like you? Why are you unable to let go of your hate, and practice your religion as Allah wants you to?
This would never have happend if our free judges had taken a suo moto and had decided Salmans murder case quickly with appropriate sentence.This is just crazy !! Don't think Pakistan qualifies to be called a sovereign nation anymore. There is just chaos and anarchy and it is only getting worse.
I don't know why incompetent government is still in power, there is absolute no law and order in country.
@Abdul Rehman Gilani: You ought to be ashamed of yourself on your sickening comments!
its more than jst a sad news....rediculous...we as nation still doubt the actions of the extrimists within us. its a moment of shame for us..may God keep hm safe from that monsters!!!!!
This can't be happening.
I pray that young Taseer is freed from his abductors soon. @Arindom, What does Kashmir has to do with this sad episode? Why are you keeping tabs on comments people make here from two weeks ago? Just shows what a sad life you lead if you remember all the comments made on tribune. @Atif Anjum, so from your response I gather it is blackwater/Jews/Hindus who are behind the kidnapping. According to TV report the kidnappers looked young local guys in western attire, may be they are a bunch of hippies or liberals since banned outfits do not commit these acts they only blow people up.
First thing: Shahbaz's father had a whole machine gun magazine emptied into him from a few feet away for God's sake, and now these guys want his son to pay the price as well? What a bunch of nuts. As far as Salman Taseer's comments go, my honest opinion is that he should have been wiser with his words and the way he went about saying what he did (not about defending Asia Bibi, but about the concept of blasphemy in general) - he should have expected such a retaliation and not much sympathy from most of the population. This is Pakistan, not some Scandinavian country. But with that said, my sympathies are with his family.
Maria and Abdul Rehman Gilani
Not one but both of you are extremist...it is differences like these that our country is where it is today.
@Usman Ahmad: I sincerely hope not
Terrible
This is outrageous...this is becoming a joke in Pakistan. Anyone can abduct, kill, rape anyone in Pakistan and the govt can do nothing to stop these ppl. God save our country!
Dear fellas
Without any proof we start blaming the religious sections of society. Does anyone has some proof including sheheryar taseer. NO. Most of them are satiating their own agendas. This is really bad incident but equally are the killing / kidnapping of ordinary citizen of PK. This is our country and Islam is our religion, we must understand.
@Atif Anjum: shame on you for being so delusion to think that a Pakistani can not be kidnapped from Hussain Chowk by a pakistanis. Aliens nah kidnap kiya hai? Who else live in this country? 99.9999999% are pakistanis.
Its so sad.
I wonder which direction the country is heading in. There is no doubt that the leadership is weak and especially weakened by the President. At the same time it seems to me that the judiciary is out and about to punish any one associated with the government. Here is a case for example it took the judiciary no time to convict the rangers for unlawful killing in Karachi of a young man. At the same time it has taken judiciary nearly a eight months to get no where with the killer of Salman Taseer. It is also sad to see that any one can walk in to police station or a mosque and claim that Muslim feelings have been hurt by some one. Soon there will be a mob or police contingent to arrest or probably kill the person who has been accused. But nothing happens to the lawyer or his family which killed a 9yr girl to whom they gave nothing to eat or time to sleep. You can guess what will be the next sentence but the danger is if I write, it wont get published so I better stop with question Do we have a moral authority to be called a Muslim or a Pakistani? or we are quite happy to live in the law of jungle?
firstly Governor SALMAN TASEER was martyred for mouthing against ongoing stream of vigorous turbulence by belligerents.then the person who led the funeral prayer of late Governor was coerced to leave the country.now Governor's son has been abducted by impetuous religious lunatics ; Finally, it indicates that unless there is a meaningful policy shift on the appeasement of extremists that is supported by the judiciary and the political class, the edifice of the state is in danger of crumbling irretrievably
@Atif Anjum:
It sucks that that happened, but it just so happens that we live here in Pakistan where such killings are the norm and as the people of Pakistan, we tend to worry about Pakistan before worrying about Norway, Iceland, and Antarctica.
That said, I do hope Norway's better equipped law and enforcement agencies take care of the matter in a fair and just manner and do not start worshiping the killer as a hero as many of us do, Ameen :)
@Abdul Rehman Gilani
More people have died praying in mosques, mazaars and Imam bargahs than the seculars. The defenders of ideology and the taliban have killed each other in thousands. The destructive forces of extremism will spare no one.
@Abdul Rehman Gilani
Are you serious? How can YOU judge Salman Taseer based on what his personal acts/opinions were? What credibility do you have? It is up to Allah to decide and He will decide, not you, not me..
We are a country that has a lot of problems. I'm sure all of have us heard the story when a man goes to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and says that I commit a lot of sins, please tell me what to do and the Propher asked him to give up lying. Lying is a far bigger sin than drinking ever was or ever will be.
We are always saying that America or the West is doing this to Muslims, or that to Muslims. For one minute think what we are doing to Christains and minorities here? If we were to compare, the west is a heaven for Muslims because otherwise over here, if we differ in opinion, one of us just gets killed or murdered.
Think of your family. God forbid your father dies and you get no justice. (Right or wrong, Qadri had no right to kill Taseer because Allah does not give that right to anyone.) And then the eldest son gets kidnapped. What are the odds he will be recovered? Think of the pain the family is going through? What did Shahbaz to to deserve this?
It seems every one is crying on this incident and no one cries/cried ever what is happening in Karachi on daily bases, lot of killing and kidnapping under the PPP Govt in Sindh. The ones who are being killed are also humans similar to Mr Shahbaz Taseer but no voice for them. how come Mr Shahbaz Taseer became more important than the ordinary persons in Pakistan?
One thing has clearly been established: Abdul Rehman Gilani is not the smartest tool in the shed
@Abdul Rehman Gilani: bhaisaab, why will the seculars and the liberals not cry????? salmaan tasser's another son aatish tasser is a renowned writer traveeling across india, without any isues, where his father is known as a late minister to india's enemy no 1, and here in pakistan, where his father was a late minister, his son is kidnapped in public...tch tch....the religiously pious have a lot to answwer,,,,,,,,
@loose dhoti: read Atif Anjum's comment and you'll what I meant! LOL! @Atif Anjum: exactly.......you are going down the drain.....but still want Kashmir!!
Terrible news, may they recover him alive and well Inshallah. My prayers are with the Taseers.
Pakistan was made to break the so called super powers, so they don't want us to live in peace. May Allah bring home safe, enshAllah.
Abdul Rehman Gilani, At this point it is only the ignorant and the moronic who are smiling. This is bigger than seculars and Islamists. Atrocities like these adversely affect the future of this country, which is a loss for both sides.
@Uncle J: from what sources you claim that Shahbaz Taseer was abducted by Pakistanis or by pakistani muslims? and why you involve islam in his abduction? Shame on you who always blame Islam on each issue without any facts n figures
@khan: @Uncle J: excellent reply to crazy Gilani.
Another kidnapping. Hmmm...
A great man said
@Abdul Rehman Gillani If your accusing "liberals and secular" of demonizing, than please realize you're falling trap to your own criticism. Why is there a need to hate and reduce other people's beliefs all the time.
@All Amazing, How people are commenting on kidnapping of a rich guy, while no report came yet who kidnapped him, and why. It may by possible his ex-girl friend may be involved or wat else. But not one commenting on the cruelty on "Rights violation: Over 2,000 found buried in Kashmir’s unmarked graves" , instead indian are supporting their army for this animal act.
May God he remains safe and joins his family unharmed
Sad. No one would have had the audacity to even think of perpetrating such an act had his dad been alive. How times change....
@Abdul Rehman Gilani: secular and liberal crying? Every pakistani should cry when an indivdual gets kidnapped. Every Pakistani should cry when a human being gets killed for his personal opinion in this country.
No this country is not a failed state but people like you has messed my country.
'open drinker'..well our founding father Jinnah was an open drinker. What are you doing in his country?
@Abdul Rehman Gilani re: NOT a martyr but was an open drinker
According to your opinion drinking of alcohol cancels shahadats.
This blinkered logic would suggest that the Hazrat Hamza ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib does not deserve to be called a martyr after courageously sacrificing his life for Islam in the Battle of Uhud?
What kind of Muslim are you?
@Arindom: its about a guy being kidnapped, you want us to give you kashmir for that.
@MS - Mariya:
funny you feel sorry - or is that what is known as 'crocodile tears' ? Only the other day you were a tigress defending the forces of obscurantism and fanatism?
The Taseers are paying a price for 'OUR STUPID SILENCE'. We all know what is happening in Pakistan and the world over. Why are we doing nothing about it? What is this stupid act of self preservation that will eventually lead to a holocaust in this region. I'm telling you all... the fundos will kill us all one by one if we don't stop this madness. We need a guerrilla strategy now to deal with supporters and condoners of extremism and mob culture. Laaton kay bhoot baaton say nahin maantay. Religious sermons, congregations, Daras etc should all be banned 'UNTIL' a clear 'peace and freedom for all' agenda is promised and exercised in all mosques and private sermons, indiscriminately, because we are also attacked and targeted the same way too.
foreign hand should not be ruled out
this is not sad, its more than that, its horrible, terrible,..... stop praying and do something.
@Abdul Rehman Gilani: 100% right brother ...
Even Punjab Government is Impotent .... They can hardly avert any crisis . Just when Mowlana Chisti left country due to insecurity ... how on earth they couldnt got serious about Shaheed Salman Taseer Family .
@Sana Baig: How you claim, he has been kidnapped by any banned group, when no report has been come yet, actual extremist is in you, who always think on one way
@Chacha: btw, did you type at least one comments on the news when a christian extremist killed 94 People in Norway?
@Chacha: Please stop propaganda and conspiracy theory against Pakistan and Pakistani and Islam. Let some useful information come to media, who kidnapped him and why.
Awww, seculars and liberals start crying again..... start chanting against the state of Pakistan and call it a failed one, start speaking about so-called extremism in Pakistan. demonizing the role of clerics, and giving a "fatwaa" that Pakistan was meant to be a secular state ..... start lamenting about the apparent in vain death of salman taseer( who is NOT a martyr but was an open drinker) and finally repeat the same drama of dreaming that Pakistan becomes liberal.....
Honestly, this self-centred, self-pitiful attitude of seculars/liberals is disgusting, they dont deserve any sympathy.( I will be dubbed as an extremist for this frank, curt and truthful opinion)
Judging by the media hype and pressure, I can guarantee safely that shahbaz will be freed in a few days.
Completely unacceptable. Now the ransom demand to release Salman's killer will come!! Ridiculous!
Situation getting sadder and more pathetic by the day.... ....But we still want Kashmir!! LOL!
Put End to this PML(N), taliban party !!
This is so terrible! :(
Give vote to PML(N), PTI and we all will see how these extremist element will nurture further. End to Drone attacks will make this country a talibanistan for sure. May these hypocrites burn in fire of H3ll and their political career slither in oblivion forever
It appears the surest way to live in Pakistan is: praise the lord and follow the faith blindly and 100%. Shame really.
sad :-((
"Late Governor" not "Later Governor". Correction please. :)
So far no notable development taken place in Salman Taseer's murder, now his son abducted. it will be interesting to see how Punjab Govt esp Rana Sanaullah responds to this case, not to mention they have recovered American National in just 3-4 days from Khushaab. Resources are there, eye witnesses are there what we they need is WILL.
May God he remains safe and joins his family unharmed.
If this is true then it implies that murders of Taseer and Bhatti and the extremism and intolerance that such acts displayed were not isolated incidents, extremism is now part of mainstream Pakistan.
Oh my God. poor family was already suffering.
Will he be murdered too? How unfortunate...! No body is safe in this country save zardari!
Now Popular Qadri will be released in exchange. Wait & watch this space.
sad :(
so much sorry to hear abt it... i wonder will a news ever make its way to any paper or site within half an our if my or any commoner's brother or son is abducted! i dun think so.... sad sad Pakistan
Soo...the traffic wardens just watched this happen? wtf...
Oh no........ this is sad.... =(
btw..... the car he was driving LZT 1 is using fake number plates...
MERCEDEZ - SLK 200 Registeration Date 2005-08-17 00:00:00.0 Vehicle Price 5622474 Year of Manufacture 2005 Color COOL RED