Salman Taseer's death anniversary observed in Pakistan

The third death anniversary of former Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, who was gunned down by a police guard, was observed in Pakistan today with civil society groups organising candlelight vigils and prayers.
A vigil was organised in the posh Kohsar Market in the heart of Islamabad at the spot where Taseer was shot by his bodyguard in 2011 for speaking out in support of a Christian woman convicted of blasphemy.
"Salman Taseer's assasination is a watershed event in Pakistan's social history. The long drawn but murky battle lines between those who want an inclusive and plural society and those who stand for bigotry and exclusion got clearly defined with his murder," Harris Khalique, poet and senior columnist, told PTI.

Interestingly, many of activists, who are often heard and seen speaking on women rights and other issues were absent. Those present at the Market said it was mainly because there is a fear element even after all these years.
"Salman Taseer is not just a person but a symbolic asset of progressive Pakistan. He was a true representation of liberal and secular Pakistan," said Ali Gilani, a media analyst and a close friend of the slain governor.
Gilani, who had organised the vigil, said undesirable forces who carries anti-state ideology defies M A Jinnah's vision of progressive, liberal and progressive Pakistan.

"People like Salman Taseer are the saviour of the society and state being a true patriot he has sacrificed his life to protect the true vision of Pakistan.

"It is very unfortunate the people who sell slogans of liberalism to gain popularity in media don't participate on his anniversary which is quite disappointing to watch and observe," he said.
Faisal Hussain, a senior Pakistani lawyer who came with a bouquet of roses at the vigil said, "On this day, three years back we lost hope, courage".
The governor's bodyguard Malik Mumtaz Qadri, a police commando, is currently in jail. He was sentenced to death by a trial Court and his petition challenging the verdict is pending before the Islamabad High Court.

The Christian women, who was also sentenced to death under the controversial blasphemy law, is also in jail. Pakistan has put a moratorium on death penalty.
In Lahore, civil society organisations, human rights activists and other organisations held various ceremonies to mark his death anniversary. A candlelight vigil was held at Liberty Market in Lahore.