Condemning the murder of Federal Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said on Wednesday that the killing had tarnished the image of the country in the comity of nations.Talking to PTV she said that it was a great loss for the country and the nation as Shahbaz Bhatti had made earnest efforts to project a soft image of the country.
He was working for interfaith harmony and peace in the country, she said. Terming the murder a terrorist act, Firdous said that such acts would not deter the government's firm resolve to eliminate extremism and terrorism from the country. The extremist elements were trying to destabilise the country, but the government would not bow in front of them. The terrorists would not succeed in their nefarious designs as they were enemies of the country and Islam, she said.
Dr Firdous said through concerted efforts by all the political parties and civil society terrorism could be eradicated from the country. She said, "it is not an issue of minorities or majority as Shahbaz Bhatti was a true Pakistani. He left no stone unturned in projecting the soft image of the country internationally". Bhatti was a voice of the depressed segments of the society, she said, adding that his struggle and sacrifices for their cause would never be forgotten. She expressed her heartfelt grief and sorrow and prayed for courage to his family to bear this irreparable loss.