Thursday, January 4, 2018

#Pakistan - Social media pays tribute to Salman Taseer on 7th death anniversary



Farhan Janjua


A large number of Pakistanis took to social media sites to pay tribute to the slain Punjab governor Salman Taseer on the occasion of his 7th death anniversary. Salman Taseer was shot dead by one of his own police bodyguards in broad daylight in the federal capital Islamabad on January 4, 2011. Taseer, 66, who was appointed the Punjab governor in 2008, was killed by Elite Force commando Mumtaz Qadri, who claimed that he killed Taseer for calling the blasphemy laws “black laws”.

 Mumtaz Qadri was later hanged to death after being sentenced by the country’s judicial system. Many Pakistanis, including politicians, took to social media to remember Salman Taseer and share their thoughts regarding the former governor and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader on his 7th death anniversary.

 In a Twitter message, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated, “There is bravery and then there is Salman Taseer’s bravery. Punjab politics is now in the hands of political pygmies, megalomaniacs and cowards. 7yrs on we slip further into the abyss”. Aamna Taseer, wife of late Salman Taseer tweeted,” 7 years on, 4th of January remains a bleak difficult day But as the sun rises and I think of the great legacy Salmaan Taseer left behind, and my 3 incredible pillars…I count my blessings”. Shehryar Taseer, son of the slain governor also took to Twitter to pen a heartfelt note. He stated,”Today, the 4th of January 2018, marks my father’s 7th death anniversary. At his grave, I prayed that god gives my family the strength to carry out his mission for a peaceful and progressive Pakistan”.

Twitter user Umer Ali stated,” Today is the 7th death anniversary of former Governor Punjab Salmaan Taseer Shaheed. He dared to speak against the inhumane blasphemy laws of Pakistan when no one else could and by doing so, lost his life to an intolerant religious maniac”.

Another Twitter user, Arshad Chandio stated,”7 Years ago, Taseer gave his life but became a Symbol of Bravery &Courage forever, while Mumtaz Qadri took a life but will always remain a symbol of Cowardice & Inhumanity because there is no bravery in killing and no honour in violence”.
Another individual, Khushal Khan, in a tweet stated,”May Shaheed Salman Taseer Rest in Peace. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today. His bravery, his strength will never be forgotten. His legacy lives on through you and your family.”

Ali Salman Alvi, a columnist tweeted, “RIP Salmaan Taseer. Your killer was a mislead coward. The bullets he fired killed you but failed to tame your flame”.
https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/01/04/social-media-pays-tribute-to-salman-taseer-on-7th-death-anniversary/

No comments: