Anti-Islam film: Fiery Bilour stands firm on ‘bounty’ offer

Railways minister rejects UK entry ban reports; says Kalabagh Dam a conspiracy against Pakistan.

PESHAWAR:

Despite widespread criticism, Federal Minister for Railways Ghulam Ahmed Bilour reaffirmed his resolve to stand by a $100,000 bounty he had placed on the head of the producer of an anti-Islam movie.

“No power in the world can force me to take back my words. I am ready to face [any] consequences for the sanctity of the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH),” said Bilour while dispelling the impression that the British government had banned his entry into the United Kingdom.

Speaking at a press conference here on Thursday, Bilour called on his party workers, particularly of his constituency, NA-I, to expedite political activities in view of the upcoming general elections.

The railways minister said: “When leaders of religious political parties who do politics in the name of Islam and those who kill people in the name of our religion fail to come up with a firm response against the blasphemous movie; the love for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in my heart moves me to place the bounty on the blasphemer’s head.”

Earlier in September, Bilour had announced a $100,000 bounty and invited members of the Taliban and al Qaeda to take part in the ‘noble deed’, adding that given the chance he would kill the filmmaker with his own hands.

UK entry ban?

Furthermore, the minister said reports claiming that his entry into the UK was banned were mere ‘rumours’ and recounted that the British high commissioner had requested him to visit the high commission.

“I asked him to pay a visit to my office, which he did, and we have discussed the issue in detail,” Bilour added.

During his meeting with the British high commissioner, Bilour said he suggested the commissioner to bring a resolution in the United Nations and legislate laws seeking a ban on blasphemous content.

“Only if they legislate such a law, I would take back my words.”

He added that the chief minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Awami National Party (ANP) Central President Asfandyar Wali Khan had firmly supported him in the aftermath of his bounty statement.

Kalabagh Dam conspiracy

The federal minster also announced his plans to visit Multan on November 7 to counter the false propaganda against ANP regarding its opposition to the construction of the Kalabagh Dam — which was previously rejected by the three provincial assemblies, leaving out Punjab.

“Some people in Punjab want to hatch another conspiracy against the integration of Pakistan by taking the dead issue of Kalabagh Dam into court.

“Kalabagh Dam is a public issue not a judicial one,” he added.

Last month, the ANP had announced that it would oppose the construction of the controversial dam to ‘their very last breath’. Many party leaders believe that construction of the dam will be unjust to K-P as it would increase the chances of the province being flooded.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2^nd, 2012.