This refers to the moving, thoughtful article “My father died for Pakistan” (Jan. 11) by Shehrbano Taseer. The murder of Salmaan Taseer, Governor of Punjab in Pakistan, deserves severe condemnation. I greatly appreciate the secular cause for which he sacrificed his life and applaud his courage to speak for Aasia Bibi, accused of blasphemy and sentenced to death.
In Taseer's untimely death, the subcontinent has lost a great secular leader. I hope his sacrifice will not go waste and the people of Pakistan will rise from their deep slumber to see through the game of the fundamentalists.
Raj Bahadur Yadav,
Fatehabad
The harsh reality is that many in Pakistan have praised the killer, Mumtaz Qadri, adding insult to injury. The ugly incident is not only a matter of grave concern but is also a warning to Indians to prevent the spread of religious fundamentalism. The emerging right-wing extremism and the recent news of the involvement of right-wing forces in various terrorist attacks are alarming. Efforts to generate awareness should be taken to inculcate liberal values so that our country does not go the Pakistan way.
Shivam Sharma,
Aligarh
Nations are in a marathon race to achieve socio-economic prosperity. But our neighbour is far behind in the race, evident from Taseer's assassination and the hailing of his assailant. Does any civilised society glorify assassins? The fanatics in Pakistan should bear in mind that Islam does not permit killings. Let good sense prevail on them.
K.S. Wilma,
Thiruvananthapuram
