PESHAWAR/ LAHORE: Federal Railway Minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour announced that $100,000 will be awarded to the person who kills the maker of the anti-Islam blasphemous film “Innocence of Muslims”.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, Bilour said that there was no other way to lodge a protest and instill fear among the blasphemers other than murder of the filmmaker. “I request all the rich people to bring out all their money so that the killer can be loaded with dollars and gold.”
The minister admitted of knowing that he was committing a crime by instigating people for murder, but said that he was ready to be a criminal for this cause. “If there is a case lodged against me in the international court or in this country’s court, I will ask people to hand me over to them… I want to show these countries that we will not tolerate any such things.”
He added that if he is punished, the country should not end ties with the US as this was a matter between him and his prophet.
He also commented on the burning down of a church in Mardan by protesters on the Ishq-e-Rasool Day and expressed grief over the incident. “The minorities over here, the Christians and the Hindus, they are all our brothers. They are also Pakistani.”
Traders’ association Sheikhupura announces Rs5m reward
The Markazi Anjuman Tajran (MAT) Sheikhupura announced a reward of Rs5million for the person who kills the maker of the anti-Islam film, The Express Tribune has learnt.
MAT Sheikhupura President Muhammad Pervez told The Express Tribune that the association has unanimously taken this decision and the announcement is not his individual act.
Pervez said that the members of the association are ready to sacrifice their parents, children and properties for Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and will never tolerate the act of the filmmaker of blasphemous movie.
COMMENTS (125)
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WOW!!! I live in the U.S. and after looking at all these comments I have a better perspective of your country. Thank you citizens of Pakistan.
@Sethi: "Recently,the US had officially announced head money for Hafiz Saeed a Pakistani,religious and social activist and that to on behalf of a third country,India...Preposterous ,isn't it...The maker of the film aptly by all accounts fits the description of an Extremist/radical Terrorist!"
I believe the so-called bounty was not for the head of Hafiz Saeed, but to information leading to his arrest.
The US,maintain a official FBI website for this purpose.I guess the shoe pinches when it is on their own foot.I feel he was very much entitled to have to have made this announcement.
Recently,the US had officially announced head money for Hafiz Saeed a Pakistani,religious and social activist and that to on behalf of a third country,India...Preposterous ,isn't it...The maker of the film aptly by all accounts fits the description of an Extremist/radical Terrorist!
@Acorn Guts: Double Standards of Americans and Europeans Parliamentarian and so called your well civilized rulers and peoples, you believe and talk about freedom of expression and speech so why are you protesting against the statement of Ghulam Ahmad Blour?
Double Standards of Americans and Europeans. To European & American Parliamentarian, you believe and talk about freedom of expression and speech so why are you protesting against the statement of Ghulam Ahmad Blour?
@It Is (still) Economy Stupid:
...no doubt, he would!
@Enlightened: You mentioned $100000. This will be equal to one croro rupees and not 10 crore. Just acounting correction.I think one crore is peanut for him
The man must have made millions as a railway minister since railways is suffering a loss of Rs one crore per month which is an unbelievable figure and most of it must be pocketed by him. Even though Rs 10 crore bounty is peanuts for him but I am sure that if somebody does this job he will back out from his promise.
"Brave comments from a brave man". No politician in entire Muslim world dare to threaten an American as he did coz the we are beggers.
Well they burned down one of his cinemas, he does not want the same fate befall the others
Conscientious leader!!! After serving as head of railways for over four years spoke of closing it down but refused to step down as minister. Today could not stop himself under the pressure of lofty principles. By the way, who might be able to get free passage into Land of Dreams & Opportunities than minister himself for the heroic deed, so is it another self pat on the back for work well-done or perhaps the enticement is for others; who cares as long as the combination of rhetoric and popular sentiments (sadly, not against the economic and administrative mismanagement and social decadence) keeps the flame of politics alive and burning.
Prophet Mohammed - Peace be upon Him !!
If we look at their tax returns, most of these guys don't even own a bicycle then how on earth is this bloke gonna pay $100,000 ? My tax money ?
All around the world Bilour;s speech is being broadcast in which he appeals to the taliban & AQ to go & kill the film makers. As Bilour is a federal minister effectively he is speaking for the govt of Pakistan too. How embaressing!!
Ghulam Ahmad Blour is promoting terrorism. ANP is the only secular political party...for the party sake he should be kicked of the party. I personally think he's incompetent anyways. Is he not the same "Railway Minister" who suggested that Pakistan should get rid of Railways? What would he do without the railway ministry?
There won't be a severe verdict for his crime of instigating to kill. Can he dare announce even $10000 as bounty on the heads of those extremists and their organizational heads in Pakistan, who blatantly instigate killings of other muslims and minorities?
He knows well that he won't even get a trial for doing the latter.
The Muslim Ummah is slowly but surely progressing (or is it regressing) towards early seventh century AD. Congratulations.
It's a shame that such a hateful person as Bilour is a Federal Minister. In the time of chaos, is this what we expect from a person having a position of responsibility? He even invited heinous groups Taliban and Al-Queda to join his fight. No wonder why we are derided as the harbingers of terrorism. Reuters reports that attendees at the press conference, where he offered the bounty, clapped and cheered at his remarks. The country is not just financially bankrupt, it's morally bankrupt as well.
Ask yourselves some simple questions. Is this the civilized way to respond to a disgusting film by a bigot? Would killing fellow Muslims teach the filmmakers a lesson? Would Prophet approve this irrationality?
you get the ministers you deserve.
@crescendo: Pretty self explanatory. One expresses an opinioin the other incites violence directly. Also note that holocaust denial is not illegal in the US.
I believe that ET has omitted significant part of minister's statement . New York Times in its article today titled " Pakistani Minister Offers Bounty Over Anti-Islam Film " also states that "And he invited the Taliban and Al Qaeda to be “partners in this noble deed,” according to news reports." Does it mean that there are Taliban supporters and sympathizers in Pakistani Federal Cabinet itself ? It is very difficult for the world to interpret these statements emanating from the center of power.
@Irshad Khan: "bring them to Pakistan through inter-pole"
Inter-pole like between two poles?
He might as well have spat on Bacha khan's grave who stood for non-violence his whole life.
Its the courage of bilour sahib and his love with the prophet (pbuh). we should appreciat them.
Its curious but the Right Hon'ble Minister did not announce any funds for the flood hit Pkaistanis. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++= In his mind helping the flood victims is US responsibility.
@Arif Bilgaumi: Very well said!
I am going for the $10m on the head of Hafiz Saeed. At least the Americans will pay me and look after me. This $100,000 is nothing and unlikely to happen.
All the major muslim countries just ignored it,some had few protest (mainly non violent ).Libya, it is still not clear if the attack on american embassy was planned before.On the whole protesters were calm and their protest peaceful.Only exception was pakistan,even in pakistan it took few days for mullahs and Tv anchors to instigate the people.Is pakistan a WANNA-BE muslim country.What is the problem????????
How about a bounty for the murderers that behead our soldiers and intimidate our citizens in the name of the Prophet (PBUH)
@crescendo: Yes there ae NO holocaust denial laws in US where this movie was made and uploaded i.e. US. In other words holocaust denial mong other things is considered protected speech in US
What's your point?
@zeeshan sheikh:
"well its just to a stunt. but If USA can put a bounty on muslims like Osama, Zwahiri, Mullah Omar, Hafiz saeed . then why we can’t put a bounty on these terrorists . 1000 dollars bounty reward from me."
Why not? It is because the terrorists you mention have been directly responsible for global acts of terrorism resulting in the death of tens of thousands of people while the movie maker just made a movie. If you can't see the difference, then you should get a ticket on a time machine and go back to the 7th century.
I am sure his children or close kins are living or studying in the US and the West. Is he going to ask them to return from the kafir countries?
PAK leadership at its best............ now does anyone have a question about why the rail system does not work?
@Bill Maher (LAX): FREE SPEECH: Holocaust is bogus HATE SPEECH: Kill Jews
Bill - Would you mind explaining the difference
@It Is (still) Economy Stupid: I agree with you. He must resign from his post also.
This country of ours is never boring. Everyday there is a new surprise from some Joker.
Consider this US$100,000.00 gone from the coffers of the Railways in his pocket. Superb move.
Cheap stunt and a method of point scoring by the minister. shame!
He should offer 50% advance payment if he is serious
such a dark day for the country. Even the minister is inciting murder.
Imran Khan, Nawaz Sharif, Zardari, and even Altaf Hussain are failing big time. These are the persons who should provide leadership and guidance. They should not bring out their party members on the street. My biggest disappointment here has been the Oxford educated Imran Khan. The CJ's own lawyers are part of this mob and CJ is visibly silent. TV channels and leaders of religious parties endlessly discuss on holocaust and are intentionally misguiding the public by their flawed discussions. Although I started disliking Aamir Liaquat Hussain after his leaked video, I have now started to develop some respect for him. He and Hasan Nissar are the only persons I have heard condemning such protests unconditionally. All others appear to condemn but simultaneously provide a justification for such activities.
There are more Pakistani Muslims than Arabs in any of the Gulf Kingdoms. They probably outnumber the Arabs there by a 2:1 or even 3:1 ratio. Yet, can any Pakistani muslim come out on the streets there even on a peaceful protest, or even talk about with their friends. They cannot talk about it even within their homes.
Bilour Jee you can punish them by giving a train ride from Peshawar to Karachi - why offer public money?
Offering to pay someone to commit a crime is against the law in most countries and in Pakistan...he has admitted his guilt in the newspaper...he should be arrested immediately unless the justice system doesn't work in Pakistan either...
He certainly is an unpopular person! I wonder who advised him to make such an statement. Will he not be declared as persona non grata by the West?
I think we have to offer a $1000,000 bounty on the railway minister and see how he deals with being accused of contracting for a murder. Or we need to indict him for this clear offense.
Where did he get the $100,000? I wonder if he declared it for tax purposes.
nobody should listen to this fellow,like all other Pakistani politicians he believes in lip service and unlikely to honour his promise.any Pakistani who embarks upon the journey to kill the blasphemer will not even get his travel allowances. PS:the movie is an attack on sanity,producer ,along with cast and crew should be punished,and what would be a better punishment than to make them watch their own movie for zillion time.
remind me guys isnt it the same railways minister bilour whose earlier pearl of wisdom was "" we should shut the railways like afghanistan and saudis who do not have rail service and the countries are stil running .
Now that IS inciting violence , but I'm sure that is allowed in Pakistan !
That tells you where the railway money was goingwhat a silly statement by our Fed Minister,
Why cant this minister who loves prophet so much himself eliminate the film maker. He is in a much better position like US Visa, money to stay there and also to buy weapons to kill him. I think we pakistanis will take care of his family back home. All the best minister.
It is offense under US laws to place a bounty on US citizen to commit a criminal act. I suppose that US will place a lifelong US visa ban on this minister and progeny. US needs to make a background check to see if he and his family members have dual citizenship or have been applicants for green card in US .
Wow cant we find a muslim who will do without the money. Doed he love money more than prophet?
Vienna,September 22,2012 This is indeed great beginning. Since there would so many rich Muslims the bounty on head go beyond several billions of dollars. For example MAT Sheikhpura has already volunteered Rs. five million! I am Muslims world wide with sole relationship between themselves as individuals and the faith in God would worth several trillions of dollars. Security firms protecting a Christian American of Egyptian origin,who made a bad job of the film will earn a lot if only they go unfaithful to their salt. Taravadu Taranga Trust for Media Monitoring TTTMM India --Kulamarva Balakrishna
Why are people making such a fuss over it? If you can't take the heat get out of the kitchen. A lover of the Prophet does not count the cost of loving.
i announce a bounty for the mullahs and this federal minister.............
Punjab governor compares a movie with holocaust , a federal minister issues a bounty on maker of a movie , and opposition leaders had called for "peaceful" protests just a day earlier , what am I supposed to think that Pakistan is not Iran ? I thought Pakistan had moved into 21st century civilization , but I have been proven wrong ! Either pakistani media politicians ulema intellectuals and protesters are extremely ignorant or ignorant and retarded!
Is he doing it to protect his cinemas?
Cheap publicity, one should ask him who's money he is promising to dole out, it is always the poor tax payers who are paying through their noses. I have known the Bilours since 1960 and he should tell us what have they( family) done for the common good of Peshawar or KP people except fleecing them whenever they got a chance to do so. WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU PEOPLE, WHY CAN'T YOU FOLLOW THE TEACHINGS OF PROPHET MOHAMMAD (pbuh), during his life time there were people who persecuted him but he always forgave them for their ignorance and tresspassing. I am a Muslim and my religion is the most beautiful religion and what we are doing is dragging it into the mud. This convicted criminal has made this film to bate us and we fall for it by killing and destroying our country and Pakistan's enemies are laughing . Mr. Bilour should be checked out by some psychiatrist because he is unstable and look what has he done to the Pakistan Railways.
The sad fact is that he can say rubbish like this because he knows there will be no accountability at all. No one would dare say in public that he is wrong to do this in case they get a blasphemy case registered against them. Pathetic.
somebody ask him to give $100,000 to ralway
Eh? he has 100k - where did he get that from?
Bilour, mostly your money is earned from cinemas and railway corruptions.
This will surely lead to making more movies. It pays.
great! let me guess from where the money for bounty will come...RAILWAYS
Please spend some of your "honest" money for improving Railways too. Don't use this emotional issue as a Political Gimmick ... it isn't funny..
I had some hope that Pakistan will come out of all the problems presently facing may be over the years but I see the hope receding fast.
@It Is (still) Economy Stupid: *What would prophet do if he was alive? how would he react and would he issue a bounty like this?
Okay. Read about Asma bint Marwana and Kaf bin Ashraf and some others in Ibn Ishaq's Sirat rasululla, English translation available at Oxford University Press, Lahore
Why the Government of Pakistan does not register a criminal case against the film makers/actors/ Youtube, bring them to Pakistan through inter-pole, and try them in our courts, just as being done by Americans? At least we should initiate the proceedings.
Oh my God ! I am not a Muslim but will pray to Allah to save Pakistan.
Ok, so Pakistan is now on par with Iran (which officially offered a bounty on Salman Rushdie's head). A very doubtful distinction.
If this is true, the minister won't be able to travel to US or Europe.
I am sure many of his kids are safely in Europe/USA.
Watch, he will change his statement when he realizes that his USA visa is cancelled.
Classic -- rather than take positive steps to put out the fire a govt minister throws provides it more fuel. You deserve your poor reputation.
This is getting more ludicrous by the day !! Now I am not sure who is the bigger fool - the guy who made this awful film or the guys making such pronouncements. I take it that all these guys have actually seen the film? Personally, I would never see a film like this knowing what it contains.
PPP coalition zindabad
learn to respect the holy prophet by following his teachings & stop plundering the pakistan railways which is an " AMANAT" of the pakistani nation with you.
This fellow looted the Railways, now offereing a dole. You resign as Minister and go to USA to do that as you have a valid visa, why prompt others.
Mr. Billor as usual. Good job Mr. Billor keep up the good work. Shabash. After your accomplishment they might make it illegal to write non-sense against the most beloved person ever in the world.
Now Federal Railway Minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour will ask IMF/WB for an extra loan of US$500,000.00. US$400,00.00 for himself with coming up to this idea and US$100,000.00 for the bounty. Apart from the invention of a car running on water now another first, locomotives will run on emotions.
I wish had same amount and i would have announced on his head for putting the Railways in such shambles.
Please declare bounty over the head of the people involved in massive corruption in Pakistan Railways
Better try to turn railway into profitable venture.
Under what sharia law can u do that? The film maker is a US citizen who doesn't fall under Pakistani law let alone sharia law, how the heck its permissable to announce bounty on his head and that from ANP minister not some religious party.
You have such love for the prophet (pbuh). Kafirs will never understand just like they never understood our prophet (pbuh) and they had to be eliminated quickly. My love for you, your words and your inner strength is only exceeded by your love for our dear prophet (pbuh), sir. Let me also confess sir that my mother tells me that our family has a direct descent from the prophet (pbuh) sir. So, we are fighting for family honor, sir.
I think a commentator on one of topics already said that, and if he didn't I want to make a suggestion. Ripley should bring out a separate edition called "Believe it or not, this happens in Pakistan".
It is going to be an instant bestseller.
Go ahead and prove the movie makers point. Not so innocent muslims now.
When elected officials make mockery of laws then who can blame those rioters
@Parvez: You mean his is "rich AND criminal"?
“The minorities over here, the Christians and the Hindus, they are all our brothers"
That's why people burned a Church in Mardan? make up your mind.
' ready to be a criminal', now thats rich........ask the guy on the road and he'll tell you that the he is already regarded as one.
Lol who will foot the bill?
How about donating all that money to Pakistan Railways?
Is his money halal? It railway money. And is anyone planning to prosecute those who burned a church in Mardan?
I am proud of you Sir. Till date I have only respected Ayatollah Khomeini more than you, but you have caught up with him today.
If its the matter between you and your prophet then why dont YOU go and kill the maker of this film???
hmmm and what happened to those claims of non-violence when faced with the Taliban? When Taliban destroy mosques and shrines, then isnt that blasphemous? Why is Bilour Sahib more "tolerant" towards that?
What hogwash?!
Where is the prime minister who wanted ban on hate speeches?!!
I wonder how Pakistan has managed to make itself believe that it is not a terrorist state!!!
why does true believer need money, allah will reward him with far greater treasures in jannah ;)
Minister is doing everything to give value to a worthless film.
Can the railways of a country be run by someone so emotional?
Election stints inf full swing...
He should be charged with the conspiracy to commit and incite murder.
Christians have movement called What would Jesus do. I think Muslim should start a similar movement What would prophet do if he was alive? how would he react and would he issue a bounty like this?
If you want to become Prime Minister it is a good move.
complete bonkers!