Call for judicial probe into Bhatti`s murder

APMA have sent me the following Press Release published in the Dawn Newspaper:

ISLAMABAD, April 9:

All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (Apma) on Saturday demanded to form an independent judicial commission to probe the assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti.

The demand was made at a memorial service and condolence reference, held on the D Chowk in front of the parliament, for the slain minister. Members of the minorities from across the country along with parliamentarians, civil society and human rights activists gathered at the Parade Lane to attend the service and the reference.

Addressing a crowd of over 3,000 holding banners, placards, and photographs of Mr Bhatti, speakers said he was a global ambassador of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for interfaith harmony. They said he was seen in the world as the PPP`s face of tolerance, harmony and respect for minorities in accordance with the constitution.
They also termed the slain minister for minorities as `Shaheed-e-Haq`, saying he worked tirelessly for the rights of the minorities. They said he stood for the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, who believed in pluralism and the rule of law.

The speakers said silence over the assassination of Mr Bhatti was no more an option for the people of Pakistan.

They added that time has come for individuals and groups who believe in peace, freedom and human dignity to stand up and make their voices heard against extremism and intolerance.

They asked the government to take measures to stop the misuse of blasphemy law and abolish all discriminatory laws against minorities.

They said an independent judicial commission should be formed to probe into the assassination of the minister.