Salman Taseer spoke for the rights of Minorities

Radio Pakistan

Analysts and intellectuals have said that death of Salman Taseer has deprived the society of a liberal and broad-minded personality. Analysts and intellectuals have said that Salman Taseer spoke for the rights of the minorities and his gunning down has deprived the society of a liberal and broad-minded personality. They were expressing their views in interviews with Radio Pakistan was broadcast in the special edition of programme 'Naey Ufaq' at 08.05 p.m on Friday nght. The programme will be devoted to the life and personality of Salman Taseer. Former President of Supreme Court Bar Association Asma Jehangir said Salman Taseer was a liberal and successful person who did not believe in violence. He would have never thought that he would lose his life for supporting a hapless woman. She was of the view that some sections of media too did not play responsible role during the entire episode. Analyst Dr. Mehdi Hassan said normally people do not take vocal stand on important but controversial issues but Salman Taseer made his views known without any fear. He said we need people like Taseer to speak with courage against the negative mindset so that people do not feel scared of the menace. Intellectual and analyst Munnoo Bhai said Salman Taseer believe in democratic principles‚ peace and affection. He said by expressing his views so boldly Salman Taseer has become a symbol of encouragement for minorities. He said there is no room for extremism in any religion and Islam is religion of nature. Senior Journalist and analyst Raza Rumi said Salman Taseer raised voice against a woman who was being wronged. He said the role played by some sections of media was also not helpful and since then the menace of terrorism and extremism has intensified. Daughter of Salman Taseer - Shahrbano and his son Shehryar Taseer shared their memories how they found him as father and family head. They said Salman Taseer was always helpful and supportive in day to day life as well as career planning. Senior Editor Najam Sethi said Salman Taseer believed in freedom of media and he never interfered in his working as Editor of his English daily. He said Salman Taseer championed rights of women and minorities. Senior lawyer Abid Hassan Minto said on the second anniversary of Salman Taseer that we should commit ourselves to eradicate the menace of terrorism and extremism. He said as general elections are approaching‚ all political parties should resolve to wage a joint struggle against terrorism irrespective of who is winner in the elections. Senior Editor Rashid Rehman said Salman Taseer only wanted an end to misuse of blasphemy law by removing lacunae.