Naya Pakistan?: PTI MNA calls for Mumtaz Qadri's release

A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA called for the release of Malik Mumtaz Qadri, the man who gunned down Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer in 2011. PTI MNA from Mardan, Mujahid Ali Khan made the demand during a debate on the budget in the National Assembly. Khan had won the NA-11 seat in the May 11 elections. Another PTI MNA Arif Alvi clarified that Khan had made this demand in his personal capacity, and this had nothing to do with the party. Earlier in 2011, PTI chairman Imran Khan had condemned Qadri’s reception as a hero on the premises of the Anti Terrorism Court, Rawalpindi. “Extremism and radicalism have penetrated our society deeply,” he had said, adding that it is especially harmful for the youth. Qadri never argued that he had not killed Taseer – shortly after he shot him dead, Qadri said his motive was Taseer’s apparent opposition to the country’s blasphemy law. But if the murder wasn’t shocking enough, it was the stringent defence put up by religious parties, whose activists showered rose petals on Qadri at his court hearing, brought him flowers on Valentine’s Day and set up Facebook pages glorifying him.