ISLAMABAD: 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.
Reaction on Twitter
On one hand PTI says it fully trusts judiciary, on other hand its elected reps negate the decision of apex courts in Mumtaz Qadri case?
— Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi (@Ali_Abbas_Zaidi) June 20, 2013
#PTI MNA Mujahid Ali Khan demands release of Mumtaz Qadri - the man who killed my father @SalmaanTaseer - in the National Assembly today
— Shehrbano Taseer (@shehrbanotaseer) June 20, 2013
“Hope PTI disciplines him@YusraSAskari: The MNA demanding the release of Mumtaz Qadri is PTI's Mujahid Ali Khan, elected from NA-11, Mardan.
— Aamna Taseer (@AamnaTaseer) June 20, 2013
On what grounds is PTI's mujahid ali khan asking for the release of mumtaz qadri?? Is this report correct??
— FK (@faisalkapadia) June 20, 2013
What happened to rule of law "@shero1985: PTI MNA from Mardan, Mujahid Ali Khan demands release of a convicted murderer Mumtaz Qadri in NA."
— Ayesha Tammy Haq (@tammyhaq) June 20, 2013
#PTI MNA demanding the release of Mumtaz Qadri who killed Governor #Punjab Salman Taseer - This is #NayaPakistan - #PMLN #PPP #MQM
— Syed FaiXan Jawaid (@Syedfaixan) June 20, 2013
#PTI MNA appeases to right-wingers by demanding release of a killer. An eye opener for the entire country.
— Muted Liberal (@expat90) June 20, 2013
