President Asif Ali Zardari said here on Friday that Salmaan Taseer led a brave, undaunted political life and embraced martyrdom following the golden tradition set by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto and hundreds of PPP workers. "The life and sacrifice of martyred Taseer are a beacon of light for PPP workers as well as democratic forces in the country," he said during his visit to Taseer's Cavalry Ground residence where he condoled with Taseer's wife and his family.
Zardari said that Taseer had written with his blood a new chapter in the history of PPP's heroic struggle against bigotry, tyranny and obscurantism, and added that Taseer embraced martyrdom fighting for human rights, minorities' rights and democracy as well as waging a crusade against extremism and fanaticism in the country. The PPP Co-chairman said that party workers and democratic forces were proud of Taseer's sacrifice, reminiscing that he always called a spade a spade and did not mince words in expressing what he had believed to be true and right.
President Zardari eulogised the courage and determination of Taseer in espousing the cause of marginalised sections of society, and said that his readiness to pay the highest price for it would continue to inspire many in future. "The supreme sacrifice rendered by Shaheed Salman Taseer will not go in vain", the President said. Zardari offered Fateha for the departed soul and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the martyred PPP leader an exalted place in Heaven and courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity. Earlier, the President reached here on an unannounced visit and went directly to Taseer's residence.