Marking eleven years since Salman Taseer’s assassination, messages of commemoration were shared across Twitter since the past two days, memorialising the former Punjab governor’s indomitable legacy.
The late governor was remembered as a “brave voice” who “courageously” defended the rights and livelihoods of minorities across Punjab and Pakistan.
"You can bury a man but not his courage".#SalmanTaseer #DeathAnniversary pic.twitter.com/z9u7ufDzwb
— Shaan (@Shanyousaf6) January 3, 2022
Remembering #SalmanTaseer Shaheed on the anniversary of his martyrdom. A self made & successful chartered accountant, businessman and politician who stood up for a poor and disenfranchised Christian woman, paying the ultimate price for his principles. Taseer’s legacy lives on.. pic.twitter.com/zXQx6HvRu4
— Ghulam jan Hassanzai (officiall) (@Ghulam81Jan) January 4, 2022
Memorable picture of two brave personalities Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Shaheed Salman Taseer.
Remembering courageous #SalmanTaseer on his 9th martyrdom anniversary.#ShaheedSalmanTaseer RIP💔 pic.twitter.com/PnfImFjZjA
— Preet Jumman Maheshwary (@PreetJumman) January 4, 2022
Drawing from some of the former Governor’s impassioned speeches, many shared clips from Taseer’s interviews, including his son Shahbaz Taseer.
This is what a brave and fearless politician looks like pic.twitter.com/rH7aZ26d7U
— Shahbaz Taseer (@ShahbazTaseer) January 4, 2022
He wanted to explain his position as was labelled blasphemous but damage had been done .His assassination left scars on the face of our society #RIP #SalmanTaseer https://t.co/SqFW86tRPp
— Asma Shirazi (@asmashirazi) January 4, 2022
May your legacy live forever Shaheed Salman Taseer. ❤️#SalmanTaseer pic.twitter.com/NQnKsOcwNs
— Madiha Abbas Naqvi (@MadihaNaqvii) January 4, 2022
Taseer’s controversial and violent death sparked a rift within Pakistan. To many, his death was indicative of the extremist and ‘violent’ mindset that had taken hold over Pakistan and emboldened those who had supported the Governor’s murderer.
One user lamented, “Unfortunately we are living in era where a terrorist Mumtaz Qadri [can] become a hero, while murdering Governor Punjab Salman Taseer!”
In memory of Shaheed Salmaan Taseer. A brave voice taken from us far too soon. And to those that fed and nurtured the mindset that took him so violently, you will one day burn in the flames you lit.
— Assad Zulfiqar Khan (@pseudorebel) January 4, 2022
Unfortunately we are living in era where a terrorist #MumtazQadri become a hero, while murdering Governor Punjab #SalmanTaseer !Qadri not only assisinated the Governor but he also violated his oath, SHAME! Something must be done to save humanity,A better world is possible!Castro. pic.twitter.com/eV89Xr8LJB
— Engr Kazim Hussain Channa🇵🇰 (@kazimhc19) January 4, 2022
“You live life once, you live it by your principles and you live it courageously – that’s what it’s about" #SalmanTaseer pic.twitter.com/EIaJ1mH5PD
— Ejaz zaidi (@EjazZaidy) January 3, 2022
Salman Taseer was murdered in Islamabad on this day, January 4, 2011 at age 65 by his then body guard, Mumtaz Qadri, for his vociferous defense of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman accused of blasphemy, as well as his vehement critiques on the nation’s blasphemy laws.
Born in 1944, Taseer began his career as a businessman before pivoting to politics. He was a prominent figure in the Pakistan People’s Party and served as the Governor of Punjab from 2008 until his death.
