Salmaan Taseer remembered on 2nd anniversary
05 January, 2013
LAHORE: A number of people from all walks of life attended a prayer ceremony to mark the second death anniversary of former Punjab governor Salmaan Taseer at his residence in Cavalry Ground on Friday. Taseer's widow, Aamna; sons, daughters, sons-in-law, renowned economist and former federal adviser Dr Salman Shah, PPP leader Aurangzeb Barki and close relatives were present on the occasion. Taseer was fatally shot by his bodyguard on January 4, 2011, in Islamabad as he was returning to his car after lunch with a friend. Taseer had been fighting for a Christian woman, Aasia Bibi, who was sentenced to death for blasphemy. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Salman Shah said that normally people do not take vocal stand on important but controversial issues, but Salmaan Taseer made his views known without any fear. He added that Taseer stood up for the weak, the underprivileged and the ones who had been forgotten. He further said that Taseer was a very large-hearted person and had the courage to face criticism without reacting. Aurangzeb Barki said that Salmaan Taseer was a very enlightened, lively and brave person who did not budge an inch from his stance when he knew he was right. He said that his death was more than a political assassination and it was a message to all those who believe in justice, law and humanity. Quran khawani and dua were held for the departed soul. Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari said on Friday that former Punjab governor Salmaan Taseer will be long remembered for upholding the cause of minorities and for fighting against the forces of bigotry and obscurantism. The president said that the assassination of Salmaan Taseer was not just a loss of a political party or of a particular segment of society but of the nation. He said that the late Taseer was endowed with rare qualities of head and heart and he faced the vicissitudes of life with great composure and courage. The president said that Salmaan Taseer will be remembered for standing up to religious extremism and bigotry and for standing by the side of those who were persecuted in the name of religion. He said that Taseer was a fighter in the true tradition of our political peers. Separately, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Friday that Taseer, whom he called Sher-e-Punjab, will always be remembered by the people and party workers as a beacon of light and source of courage. Bilawal telephoned Aamna Taseer, widow of Salmaan Taseer, on his second death anniversary and joined her in her grief and prayed for Pakistan. The PPP chairman said that Taseer will always be remembered as a beacon of light and a source of courage whenever the country is targeted by terrorism and extremism. He said the late governor's sacrifice will strengthen the will of the masses to protect the nation from evil forces. End.
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