» 09/06/2011 13:33 PAKISTAN Punjab, minorities demonstrate for the release of Shahbaz Taseer by Jibran Khan Two different events, in Faisalabad and Lahore, were held to protest against the inertia of the Punjab government after the kidnapping of the son of Salman Taseer, Governor of the region murdered for defending Asia Bibi.
Faisalabad (AsiaNews) - The regional committee of the All Pakistan Minority Alliance (APMA) in Faisalabad organized a demonstration against the abduction of Shahbaz Taseer, son of Salman Taseer, Governor of Punjab murdered for his views against the blasphemy law and the support offered to Asia Bibi, a Christian sentenced to death on false charges of blasphemy. (07/08/2011 Asia Bibi’s case still on hold, but family remains hopeful). For the same reason, "Life for All", a humanitarian organization in Pakistan, organized a protest in Lahore, after the Sunday liturgical services.
Pervaiz Rafique, a historic leader of APMA and a member of the Provincial Parliament, led the protest in Faisalabad. Rafique criticized the Punjab government for delays in investigations. "The Punjab government is deficient in providing security for the life and property of people across the province. The assassination of Salman Taseer and now the kidnapping of his son is a conspiracy. The government is responsible for all cases of kidnapping, murder, robbery, theft and extortion as well as acts of terrorism that take place daily in the province, "said Pervaiz Rafique.
In Lahore p. Francis Xavier led the protest of "Life for All" from the Catholic church in Youhanabad, in a peaceful march on the Hamza Complex on Ferozepur Road. Hamza Shahbaz Shareef, son of Punjab Prime Minister Shahbaz Shareef, is building a shopping center that will be called Hamza Complex on Ferozepur Road.
The demonstrators demanded that the Punjab government ensure the safety of Shahbaz Taseer and the arrest of the culprits. Fr. Francis said: "We condemn the government of Punjab because it does not protect life and property of citizens. Religious minorities feel insecure after the assassination of Salman Taseer and Shahbaz Bhatti, and this kidnap increases the fears of minorities. The Punjab government should arrest the culprits and ensure the safe return of Shahbaz Taseer. Otherwise we will organize protests against the government of Punjab at a national level. "
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