Pakistani lawyers and human rights activists rally to condemn the killing of Christian leader Shahbaz Bhatti outside the Lahore High court in Lahore, Pakistan on Monday, March 7, 2011. - Photo by AP

LAHORE: The Christian Lawyers Association in Pakistan (CLAP) on Monday held a protest rally from the Lahore High Court to the Punjab Assembly to condemn assassination of minorities affairs minister Shahbaz Bhatti. Supreme Court Bar Association President Asma Jahangir also joined the rally and condemned the murder.

The protesters were carrying placards and banners inscribed with demand for early arrest of the killers and for protection of the minorities.

Addressing the rally, CLAP President Akbar Munawar Durrani said murder of Shahbaz Bhatti was a glaring example of terrorism and religious extremism.

He said the murder was not only a threat to Christian community but also to other minorities living in Pakistan. He said murder of Bhatti had tarnished the image of the country.