ISLAMABAD, Feb 20: Political leaders from both ruling and opposition parties have condemned in strongest terms the murder of Punjab Minister for Social Welfare Zill-e-Huma Usman by a “religious zealot” in Gujranwala on Tuesday.

Pakistan Muslim League (PML) Secretary-General Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed expressed grief and sorrow over the killing of the provincial minister who also belonged to the same party.

In a condolence message, he prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss with fortitude and patience. Pakistan People’s Party Chairperson Benazir Bhutto said that the tragic murder of Zill-e-Huma showed the failure of the regime in controlling extremism and combating crime.—Agencies