For all those who are unaware, Salman Shaheed Taseer, late Governor Punjab, became the first non-American to be honoured with the Martin Luther King Junior Peace Award for his sustained efforts in promoting human rights and peace.
This prestigious award is given to Taseer in the wake of the nation being deeply divided in its opinion about credentials of martyrdom and bravery and upholding ideals of truth, justice as well as standing strong and tall against the mighty force of religious fanatics who seem ready to devour any sign of infidelity at first sight.
While the United States has honoured Taseer for his courage, he unfortunately and undeniably remains one of the most controversial martyrs in his own country.
The people of the Islamic Republic choose their respective martyrs at will, this is followed by the clerics and politicians who then follow the popular beat, further fuelling the prevailing confusion that clouds the ordinary people of the country, half of which supposedly claim to be ‘educated’ and hide themsleves behind a mask of ignorance because of course, ‘ignorance’ is easy to succumb to.
Social media was abuzz with activists, journalists and the like commemorating Salman Taseer’s death anniversary today. Seven years later, it is our moral duty to remember and salute the unsung hero of our society, the one who laid his life for the sake of his courage and valour.
It is true that the most vulnerable people in our dark society are those who speak the fearless truth.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Salmaan Taseer Shaheed will always be a symbol of courage. His absence even more painful when state institutions are patronising violent extremists & many willing to kill in the name of faith. #Pakistan
My latest for @dailytimespak: https://t.co/Y4x1jxcags#RIP #SalmaanTaseer— Raza Ahmad Rumi (@Razarumi) January 4, 2018
#SalmanTaseer, a man who stood alone to save innocent lives. A man who raised voice against misuse of blasphemy law, but, was silenced. His presence is badly missed under current circumstances.
Salute you, #ShaheedSalmanTaseer. 💐#RememberingSalmanTaseer pic.twitter.com/G1JbHJDP4T
— Shafiq Solangi (@ShafiqSolangi) January 4, 2018
You can detain persons but you cannot arrest ideas which is why prisoners of conscience are always free – #ShaheedSalmanTaseer 🇵🇰
1944 – 2011 pic.twitter.com/Wd0NOqJCXY
— CAA Pakistan (@AirportPakistan) January 4, 2018
#PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid tribute to former #Punjab governor #SalmaanTaseer on the 7th anniversary of his martyrdom#ShaheedSalmanTaseer pic.twitter.com/UXlep7PKwx
— NvD Siddiqui 🏹 (@NvD_PPP) January 4, 2018
“I am not made from wood that burns easily ” #ShaheedSalmanTaseer #IamSalmanTaseer
7th martyrdom anniversary pic.twitter.com/JJ46A1s3rk— Fayaz Chachar (@ChacharFayaz) January 4, 2018
#ShaheedSalmanTaseer A brave man who gave his life for humanity. pic.twitter.com/qZynfGNusT
— Younis Ahmad (@DrYounisAhmad) January 4, 2018
“You live life once, you live it by your principles and you live it courageously – that’s what it’s about.” Remembering #ShaheedSalmanTaseer – one of the bravest we had. pic.twitter.com/LWEsx9nGm5
— Maleeha Manzoor (@MaleehaManzoor) January 4, 2018