Rights groups condemn killing of Pakistani Minister

(05 March 2011) The United Nations chief has strongly condemned the ruthless assassination of Pakistan only government Christian Minister, Shabaz Bhatti, calling him a ‘prominent advocate’ for minority rights. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon described the Minister for Minorities as a ‘prominent advocate’ for minority rights and a promoter of inter-faith understanding. Shabhaz Bhatti, a Catholic, was gunned down by Islamist extremists on Wednesday in Islamabad as he was travelling in his car after a visit to his mother. Ban urged the government of Pakistan to continue its efforts to combat terrorism, protect the rights of minorities and promote tolerance. World leaders and rights groups and activists have roundly condemned the assassination. Human Rights Watch described it as “a grave setback for the struggle for tolerance, pluralism, and respect for human rights in Pakistan.” It called upon the government to apprehend the killers , charge those who inciteviolence and murder, and ensure protection for those who are threatened by extremists. Amnesty International also joined the chorus of condemnation calling for the killers to be brought to justice. Such incidents “thrive in the atmosphere of impunity and irresponsibility fostered by the government’s failure to uphold its human rights obligations”, Amnesty added.