HRW statement; and Indian citizens on abduction of Shahbaz Taseer

Posted on August 26, 2011 by beenasarwar


Shocked to learn of the abduction of slain Governor Punjab Salmaan Taseer’s son Shahbaz this morning, in Lahore reportedly by four gunmen as the younger Taseer headed to his office. I join all those calling on the government, police and administration to ensure his speedy and safe recovery, and arrest and prosecution of the culprits – see statements below by Human Rights Watch, and a press release by concerned Indian citizens:

“Human Rights Watch calls upon Pakistan’s federal government and the Punjab provincial government of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to investigate the abduction of Shahbaz Taseer, the son of assassinated Governor Punjab Salman Taseer. Shahbaz Taseer was kidnapped from the central city of Lahore on the morning of August 26. The federal and provincial governments must ensure that the younger Taseer is recovered speedily and his abductors are held accountable. This family has suffered too much already and given the security threats directed towards them in the aftermath of Governor Taseer’s death, this kidnapping underscores the failing writ of the state and its inability to provide security even to those known to be at high risk.”    
PRESS RELEASE: 
INDIANS EXPRESS SHOCK OVER ABDUCTION OF SHAHBAZ TASEER

We express deep shock and concern over the kidnapping of Shahbaz Taseer, son of Salman Taseer, late Governor of Punjab (Pakistan), who was assassinated on January 4th 2011 for his views on the controversial Blasphemy Law. Shahbaz and his family had been receiving threats from the Taliban and other militant groups since they belonged to the Taseer Family. He was abducted today in daylight from Lahore, while driving, from a street adjacent to his office at M M Alam Road. Abductors intercepted his car and took him away at gunpoint.

It must be pointed out that last week the cleric who conducted the funeral prayers for Salman Taseer has been forced to flee the country, following threats.

We appeal to the Pakistan Government to leave no stone unturned to rescue Shahbaz Taseer. At this juncture, we all express our solidarity not only with the Taseer family but also with all Pakistani citizens fighting for a liberal democratic society.

Thanking you,
  1. Kuldip Nayar             Journalist                                                       Delhi
  2. Mahesh Bhatt            Film Maker                                                    Mumbai
  3. Jatin Desai                Journalist                                                       Mumbai
  4. Kamla Bhasin           SANGAT                                                       Delhi
  5. Seema Mustafa        Journalist                                                       Delhi
  6. Vrinda Grover           South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR)    Delhi
  7. Varsha Berry             Focus on theGlobal South                           Mumbai
  8. Ritu Dewan               Professor                                                       Mumbai
  9. Mazher Hussain       COVA                                                             Hyderabad
  10. Ramesh Yadav         Folklore Society                                            Amritsar
  11. Sukla Sen                  Ekta                                                                Mumbai
  12. Asad Bin Saif            BUILD                                                            Mumbai


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  1. HRW statement; and Indian citizens on abduction of Shahbaz Taseer | Tea Break, on August 26, 2011 at 10:00 pm said:

    […] HRW statement; and Indian citizens on abduction of Shahbaz Taseer […]

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