By IANS,
New Delhi : India Wednesday condemned the “tragic assassination” of Pakistan’s minister for minority affairs Shahbaz Bhatti and offered condolences to the bereaved family.
“We convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the people and the government of Pakistan on the tragic assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti, federal minister of minority affairs of Pakistan,” the external affairs ministery said in a statement.
“We condemn this dastardly crime. In this difficult hour, our prayers and thoughts are with the bereaved family and the people of Pakistan,” the ministry said.
Christians across India have condemned the murder of Bhatti, 42, a Christian, who was gunned down in Islamabad Wednesday by unidentified men allegedly for his views on the country’s controversial blasphemy law.
Bhatti was the only Christian minister in the Muslim majority country and met the same fate as Punjab governor Salman Taseer, who was gunned down by his bodyguard Jan 4.
“The killing of an important leader of minorities shows the threats and pressures under which minorities are living in Pakistan. There have been reports about abduction and false implication in blasphemy cases and killings of members of the minority communities on a daily basis,” said secretary general of the All India Christian Council John Dayal.
Activists demanded measures to curtail right wing extremists and ensure safety of minorities in Pakistan.