Church condemns “senseless” killing of female MP
Lahore (AsiaNews) – The Pakistani Church has strongly condemned the “senseless violence” that on 20 February claimed the life of Zil-e-Huma Usman, a woman who was social affairs minister of Punjab. Condemnation was voiced by Mgr Lawrence John Saldanha, president of the Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan. Speaking to AsiaNews, he expressed condolence for the woman’s family and appealed to the government “to control and curb this intolerance against women who should be given freedom and right to chose.”
On 20 February, Mohammad Sarwar, described by police as a “fanatic”, killed the 37-year-old minister in her hometown of Gujranwala north of Lahore. She was about to address her supporters when a bullet pierced her head. The woman died shortly afterwards in hospital. Her funeral was held yesterday afternoon.
Police immediately arrested Sarwar, a 40-year-old man who owns a hardware shop in Gujranwala and has nine children. They said he was a “religious fanatic” who “considers it contrary to the teachings of Allah for a woman to become a minister.” Sarwar belongs to the Ahle Hadith sect that has “its own interpretation of Islam”. Police said the criminal showed no regrets during interrogations: “I killed her out of the conviction that she was leading an un-Islamic life and an evil influence on other women.” The central and local authorities have promised a thorough trial and severe sentence after having gathered all the necessary evidence against the suspect.
Mgr Saldanha said: “The fanatical attitude of the killer should prompt one to find out who is teaching people to do such inhuman things. We are a developing country and such episodes take us back to the past. There is a need to educate people about tolerance through mosques and churches and not only the government but also the public should take steps in this regard. Politicians and media can play a vital role.” The bishop said the time had come for Pakistanis to adapt their stands and attitudes to the demands of modernity.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) chairperson, Asma Jahangir, said described the killing of Zile Huma as a sign of intolerance in the country. “Despite the government’s claims, extremism is on the rise and no efforts are being made to stop it.” Asma said the suspect had already confessed to killing six prostitutes in 2002, for which he had never been penalized. “If justice had worked then, this tragedy would not have occurred,” she added.
Zil-e-Huma Usman was a supporter of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and his policy of “enlightened moderation” aimed at guaranteeing the rights of women.
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27/09/2017 10:13
