In Pakistan, Church condemns “senseless” killing of female MP

(23 Feb. 2007) : Archbishop Lawrence John Saldanha of Lahore and president of the Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan has strongly condemned the brutal murder of Ms Zil-e-Huma Usman, the female Social Affairs Minister of Punjab, by a religious fanatic on Tuesday. Condemning the senseless violence, the prelate expressed condolence for the woman’s family and appealed to the government and civil society to control and curb this intolerance against women who should be given freedom and right to choose. The 37-year old minister was killed by Mohammad Sarwar on 20^th February 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 on Thursday afternoon.

The Police immediately arrested 40-year old Sarwar, who owns a hardware shop in Gujranwala and has nine children. The Police 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.

Archbishop 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.