Protests erupt in Pakistan after ex-governor killer hanged

In January 2011, Qadri shot Taseer 28 times in broad day light in a trendy area of Islamabad for seeking reforms in the country’s controversial blasphemy laws. 

Taseer, 66, had come out it in support of a Christian woman charged with blasphemy and termed the regulations as “black laws” drawing the ire of extremists. Qadri’s execution triggered nation-wide protests by Islamists who called it a “black day”. 

Street protests broke out in several cities by the supporters of Qadri, who considered him as a hero for defending the faith, and had threatened violence if he was executed. 

Rangers and riot police were deployed outside Qadri’s home in Rawalpindi where hundreds of supporters had gathered and also in nearby Islamabad. Activists of Sunni groups, who had given a hero-like status to Qadri, blocked main intersections in Rawalpindi, cutting off the main link with capital Islamabad. Police and paramilitary security personnel were patrolling the roads. 

A senior police official said that high-alert had been issued in Rawalpindi and rest of Punjab province to tackle any untoward situation. “Security forces were on high alert and extra police were being deployed to clear the roads,” a police officials said.