ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: As strong protests are expected to continue on Tuesday in the twin cities in the wake of Mumtaz Qadri’s executions, containers were placed in main roads in Islamabad while academic institutions and offices were shut.
The assassinator of former Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, Mumtaz Qadri was hanged to death at the adiala jail in Rawalpindi early Monday, triggering a strong protest across the country against the act.
The sources said that the security in the Federal Capital was put on high alert to thwart any untoward incident as additional contingents of police were deployed at sensitive places and important buildings.
In addition, the Red Zone area in the Capital were sealed by placing containers on the roads. The roads leading to Serena Hotel, Radio Pakistan and National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) office were closed.
Mumtaz Qadri was a commando of Elite Police and he assassinated Salman Taseer on January 4, 2011 at Kohsar Market in Islamabad after the later allegedly committed the act of blasphemy. Later, Mumtaz Qadri was awarded death penalty and President Mamnoon Hussain also rejected his mercy plea.
His funeral prayers will be offered on Tuesday at the famous Liaqat Bagh in Rawalpindi after Zuhr prayer. The people from different walks of life will also offer funeral prayers of Mumtaz Qadari in absentia in Bhara Kahu area of Islamabad where shop keepers were already asked to keep their businesses closed.
