A large number of people held protests in the provincial capital right after the death sentence to Mumtaz Qadri, who killed Salman Taseer was announced on Saturday. Protestors marched from the Data Darbar Lahore to the Faisal Chowk, Mall Road. Stick holding mob got the shops closed forcibly at the Mall Road, Hall Road and other markets.
Qadri's supporters from the Sunni Tehreek denounced the decision of the Anti-Terrorism Court, claiming that he was innocent. A sit-in was held at the Faisal Chowk continued till late night causing problems for the commuters. Leaders of different religious parties addressed the procession demanding immediate release of Mumtaz Qadri. The rally was also a violation of imposition of section 144 of the law.
Addressing the rally Divisional President Sunni Tehrik Maulana Mujahid Abdul Rasool Khan said that they rejected the Anti-Terrorism Court decision in the Salman Taseer murder case and pledged that they would challenge the sentence of Ghazi Mumtaz Qadri in the higher court. He said that Mumtaz Qadri was a hero of Islamic Ummah and true Ashique-e-Rasool.
Maulana Mujahid said slain Govern salman Taseer has been excluded from the Islam by declaring Blasphemy law as 'Black law' and it was the responsibility of Government of Pakistan under Section 295C to arrest him. He added the indifferent government attitude forced Malik Mumtaz Hussain Qadri repeat the history and played the role of Ghazi Ilam Din Shaheed. Sunni tehrik leader was of the view that if Raymond Davis could be released under the pretext of Diyaat law then why not Mumtaz Qadri?