Our deepest sympathies are with Governor Taseer's wife and children: Hillary Clinton.—AFP/File photo

WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday condemned the assassination of the governor of Pakistan's Punjab province, calling his death “a great loss.”

Salman Taseer was shot dead at an Islamabad market by a bodyguard who opposed his criticism of blasphemy laws, officials said.

“We strongly condemn the assassination today in Pakistan of Punjab Provincial Governor Salman Taseer,” Clinton said in a statement.

“I had the opportunity to meet Governor Taseer in Pakistan and I admired his work to promote tolerance and the education of Pakistan's future generations. His death is a great loss,” the chief US diplomat said.

“Our deepest sympathies are with Governor Taseer's wife and children,” she added.

“The United States remains committed to helping the government and people of Pakistan as they persevere in their campaign to bring peace and stability to their country.”

Opinion

Editorial

Rigging claims
Updated 04 May, 2024

Rigging claims

The PTI’s allegations are not new; most elections in Pakistan have been controversial, and it is almost a given that results will be challenged by the losing side.
Gaza’s wasteland
04 May, 2024

Gaza’s wasteland

SINCE the start of hostilities on Oct 7, Israel has put in ceaseless efforts to depopulate Gaza, and make the Strip...
Housing scams
04 May, 2024

Housing scams

THE story of illegal housing schemes in Punjab is the story of greed, corruption and plunder. Major players in these...
Under siege
Updated 03 May, 2024

Under siege

Whether through direct censorship, withholding advertising, harassment or violence, the press in Pakistan navigates a hazardous terrain.
Meddlesome ways
03 May, 2024

Meddlesome ways

AFTER this week’s proceedings in the so-called ‘meddling case’, it appears that the majority of judges...
Mass transit mess
03 May, 2024

Mass transit mess

THAT Karachi — one of the world’s largest megacities — does not have a mass transit system worth the name is ...