BY Stephen Edwardson | January 7 | 
1 COMMENT 
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Dangerous rise in extremism
Archbishop Lawrence J Saldanha of Lahore said the assassination of Pakistani Governor Salman Taseer shows a dangerous rise in extremism in Pakistan.
Archbishop Lawrence J Saldanha of Lahore said the assassination of Pakistani Governor Salman Taseer shows a dangerous rise in extremism in Pakistan.
Governor Taseer was a ‘defender’ of the rights of minorities in Pakistan and did not ‘cave’ into pressure forced on him by extremist groups.
Speaking yesterday, Archbishop Saldanha (above) criticised the mindset ‘of religious fanaticism’ in Pakistan at this time and declared that the extremists are currently winning.
“Christians are deeply shocked and disturbed by the death of a high profile leader,” Archbishop Saldanha said in an interview. “Salman Taseer broke no law but he only questioned the validity of the present law, calling it a ‘man-made’ law which could be changed. For that, he was killed.”
Governor Taseer was shot and killed on Tuesday by his bodyguard, who reportedly was angered by the Punjabi’s Governors opposition to Pakistans “Anti-Blasphemy Law”. Governor Taseer had sought to gain a pardon for Asia Bibi, a Christian mother sentenced to death under the law, which her lawyers are declaring are ‘fabricated’ charges.
A group of lawyers, religious leaders and supporters showed their support for the accused murderer by showering him with rose petals and placing a garland around his neck. The archbishop was shocked at this reception calling it ‘shameful’ and ‘indicative of the mindset of religious fanaticism prevailing in Pakistan today.’
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Those who resort to violence in defence of their ‘faith’ are contributing to their religious group’s own downfall. More importantly, they should keep in mind that they too will be judged by almighty God when their foolish days are over.