The British Foreign Secretary William Hague Wednesday condemned assassination of Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, terming the death a tragic loss for Pakistan and for all who believe in human Rights and freedom of speech. Following the shooting of Pakistan's Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, Foreign Secretary William Hague said: "I am appalled by the assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti in Islamabad this morning," said a statement issued by the British High Commission.
He said that this was a cowardly attack on a democratically elected Government Minister and an attempt by extremists to silence free speech and debate in one of the world's largest democracies. I utterly condemn the actions of these extremists, which fly in the face of the courageous fight for democratic rights and justice being waged in other parts of the Islamic world.
In addition, Foreign Office Minister for South Asia Alistair Burt said: "The assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti marks a new low point in Pakistan's struggle against violent religious extremism. Shahbaz Bhatti was a powerful voice against extremism and a fearless voice for tolerance and respect for minorities. His death is a tragic loss for Pakistan. We condemn the shocking attack, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. This is not only an attack on a dedicated Government Minister but on the people of Pakistan and their future. The UK will continue to work with the leaders of Pakistan and its people, who deserves a stable, democratic and prosperous future, where violence and intimidation is not allowed to threaten freedom of speech and proper democratic debate."
British High Commissioner Adam Thomson said: "I am horrified by Shahbaz Bhatti's assassination in a callous, cowardly attack in Islamabad this morning. His death is a loss to Pakistan and a deep wound inflicted on Pakistani society. On behalf of the British Government and my own family, I send my sincere condolences to Bhatti's grieving family and friends.
Shahbaz Bhatti was killed doing the job that he had been democratically elected to do, generating and contributing to public policy and debate. That is how democracy works. His murder, and the murder of Salman Taseer before him, is an attack on Pakistan's democracy. It poses questions about what kind of society Pakistan wants to become. The UK will continue to work side by side with Pakistan to help secure a brighter, more stable future for this country - a future in which extremists are not allowed to threaten or intimidate Pakistan's democratic process and debate."-PR
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