UK Lawyers body (APL) Condemn the killing of Pak Federal Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti

LONDON, March 2: APL (Association of Pakistani Lawyers), a team of Pakistani origin lawyers, Solicitors, Barristers, and Judges in UK has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of a Pakistan people’s Party MNA and Federal Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti  in a blatant assassination in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad.

APL in an emergency session has Condemned the killing of Pak Federal Minister for Minorities Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti

APL further noted with great anguish that Mr Bhatti, a Christian, had received death threats after calling for changes to the blasphemy laws and was concerned that despite threats he was not escorted by his security entourage which has raised questions.

APL commented that People may differ with his politics, statements and views , in particular his pro active comments on changing blasphemy laws of Pakistan, but the way he has been eliminated is unlawful, unnecessary, and uncalled for and will have serious repercussions. It will have a serious impact on racial and religious tensions and is a fatal  blow to the smooth running of the political business in Pakistan.

This is a wrong message to public and tolerance must be preached at all levels this juncture as arguments are best won through a dialogue, but not through bullets. Any Society cannot progress if people’s right to agree or disagree is dictated at a gun point. It is a sad moment for Pakistan and for minorities as the message will not go well in the international community.

Pakistan must try to bridge the gap between Islam and other communities including Western countries and media and must not widen the gulf  further, and there is a dire need of a ‘Huddabiya’ style truce and pact to move forward.

It’s a sad moment for Pakistan and APL requests that all at sundry play their role to calm the law and order situation in Pakistan, which is already affected and boiling due to growing political and regional crises. 

APL demanded that those involved must be captured and brought to books forthwith and it prayed to Almighty to shower his mercy upon the departed soul and grant courage and fortitude to the members of the bereaved family to bear this loss.

APL has conveyed their condolences to PPP leadership too over the loss of one of their key member in the current administration and lone voice for the ethnic and religious minorities in the cabinet.

Barrister Amjad Malik –

Signed By Chair & Secretary

Of Association of Pakistani Lawyers (UK)  

Wednesday, 02 March 2011