It’s been seven years since Pakistani businessman and politician, Salman Taseer’s assassination.
Salman Taseer was brutally murdered by his bodyguard, Mumtaz Qadri, on 4th January 2011.
A disagreement over the Blasphemy Law cost Taseer his life.
Since then, the law in question has been discussed immensely. Moreover, Qadri being hailed as a hero by some has been debated over time and again. However, seven years later, Pakistanis are remembering Salman Taseer as a symbol of strength and courage.
To mark his father’s death anniversary, Shehryar Taseer shared this tweet with a small prayer.
Today, the 4th of January 2018, marks my fathers 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. pic.twitter.com/nRyaZQVZZg
— Shehryar Taseer (@shehryar_taseer) January 4, 2018
Shahbaz Taseer also dedicated this post to his father.
Kuj Unj Vi Rahvaan Okhiyan San
Kuj Gal Vich Gham Da Tauk Vi SiKuj Sheher De Lok Vi Zaalim San
Kuj Saanu Maran Da Shok Vi Si #Taseer pic.twitter.com/Rx0my4P496— Shahbaz Taseer (@ShahbazTaseer) January 4, 2018
Pakistanis were moved by the two sons’ posts.
He was indeed. May Almighty Allah SWT grant him Jannah and may his soul rest in ever lasting peace inshaa Allah ul Azeem. Keep your spirits high.
— Kunwar Moeez Khan (@KunwarMoeez) January 4, 2018
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. #RememberingSalmanTaseer
— Khushal Khan (@Khushal_Khattak) January 4, 2018
However, other Pakistanis took to Twitter to mourn Salman Taseer’s death as well. They remembered him for his bravery…
Remember @SalmaanTaseer our bravest politician in recent memory. He stood up against bigotry and fanaticism. If he were alive today he would be kicking up a tweet storm against the US president's anti-Pak tweets. You live in our hearts. RIP. #SalmaanTaseer #7thAnniversary
— Yasser Latif Hamdani (@theRealYLH) January 3, 2018
There is bravery and then there is @salmantaseer bravery. Punjab politics is now in the hands of political pygmies, megalomaniacs and cowards. 7yrs on we slip further into the abyss. #RememberingSalmanTaseer
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) January 4, 2018
…and the cause for which he died.
Seven years since Salman Taseer’s brutal murder. The cause he died for stands exactly where it did then.
What a brave man whom we’ve failed.— LesPaul (@deadpoettweet) January 4, 2018
Death anniversay of Salman Taseer. Perhaps, the bravest politician who challenged the Blasphemy law
— Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi (@Ali_Abbas_Zaidi) January 4, 2018
Some people shared how they were honored to have lived in an era of brave men like Mr. Taseer.
I can proudly say that i have lived in the era of the Brave Salman Taseer & learned that “ Ye Jaan to Ani Jani Hai Is Jaan Ki to Koi Baat nahi” #RememberingSalmaanTaseer https://t.co/hKFFSu5ad5
— Wasif Ali (@wali316) January 4, 2018
Others pointed out that oppression still exists, despite the number of lives that have been lost as its consequence.
Mashal Khan named person of the year while his murderers have still not been punished. Salman Taseer had to pay a price although he was supporting a poor woman @FreeAsiaBiBi . Still no one can bat an eye. The law still stands as a tool to oppress and kill for the goons.
— سعدیہ احمد (@khwamkhwah) January 4, 2018
Murder of #SalmanTaseer was not sudden event. It was result of the extremist minset which was inculcated in society decades ago. It wasn't one person, #MumtazQadri who killed him but the extremist mindset prevalent in our society who later killed #MashalKhan.#ShaheedSalmanTaseer
— Sameena (@Sameenaqau) January 4, 2018
Some people even pointed out how Qadri had become a symbol of cowardice after killing Salman Taseer.
7 Years ago, #SalmanTaseer gave his life but became a Symbol of "Bravery" & "Courage" forever, while #MumtazQadri took a life but will always remain a symbol of "Cowardice" & "Inhumanity" because there is no bravery in killing & no honor in violence#RememberingSalmanTaseer#RIP pic.twitter.com/eJDzh7Gh1W
— Abdul Majid Kalwar™ (@Majid_PSF) January 4, 2018
His family was appreciated for their courage as well.
Salman Taseer & his family paid a heavy price for his courage of pointing out the dark flaws of society. Most people in who have been and are in power stay muted about certain subjects due to threats from extremists. 7 years later we move further into the abyss! @ShahbazTaseer
— Ali Raza (@AliRazarizvi34) January 4, 2018
However, a vast majority of people remembered Taseer as a hero.
#SalmanTaseer is name of courage who sacrificed his life for his principle and stand for the right of the truth for the right of humanity for the right of minorities.@BBhuttoZardari@BakhtawarBZ@AseefaBZ#ShaheedSalmanTaseer pic.twitter.com/7QGd2T53f2
— Anwar khan (@anwar_sethari) January 4, 2018
The highly unfortunate assassination of Salman Taseer is an event that no Pakistani can ever forget. It left Pakistan divided, outlining the distinction between two opposing mindsets that exist in our country. Seven years later, these distinctions still exist. It’s all about which side of the line you fall on.
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