ISLAMABAD: Terming the assassination of the governor an act to sabotage peace in the country, Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti said the killer wanted to disturb peace of the country and interfaith harmony as Taseer always tried to protect the minories rights.

Addressing a congregation at Fatima Church, Bhatti requested all liberal and progressive and political forces to come forward and join hands to eradicate all forces that wanted to harm peace and democratic process in the country. Federal minister said the governor was against the misuse of blasphemy laws implemented in the country. Bhatti said the extremist elements wanted to destabilize Pakistan by creating anarchy in the country. He said Taseer was a liberal and progressive leader of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). “Militancy has creped into every segment of society, whether they are police or army or bureaucracy, this intolerance has become a disease in our society,” he said.