KARACHI, Jan 4: President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari paid tribute to slain Punjab governor Salman Taseer on Friday on the second anniversary of his assassination.

Speaking to Aamna Taseer, the widow of Salman Taseer, Mr Bilawal Zardari said: “Sher-i-Punjab Salman Taseer will always be remembered among people and party workers as a beacon of light and source of courage against terrorism and extremism.

“His sacrifice will strengthen the will of masses and protect them from evil forces.”

Meanwhile, praising the late governor’s efforts in upholding the cause of minorities and fighting against the forces of bigotry and obscurantism, President Zardari said his services would be remembered for a long time to come, a press release issued by Bilawal House stated.

The president said Mr Taseer’s assassination was not a loss of a political party or a particular segment of the society but a national loss. Late Taseer was endowed with the rare qualities of head and heart and faced the vicissitudes of life with great composure and courage, he added.

People would remember him for standing up to religious extremism and bigotry and supporting those persecuted in the name of religion. He was a true fighter in the tradition of our political peers, he said.

The president prayed for eternal peace of Mr Taseer and of all those who laid down their lives for noble causes, the press release said.