ISLAMABAD, May 31: Former governor Punjab Salman Taseer was a beacon of light who had shown the right way to the countrymen, the way of equality, justice, peace and fundamental rights based on the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

Parliamentarians and members of the civil society expressed these views on Tuesday while speaking at a gathering organised by 'Citizens for Democracy' in connection with the 67th birth anniversary of the late governor at Kohsar Market (F-6).

MNA Farahnaz Isphahani, Marvi Sirmed, Farzana Bari, Harris Khalique, Sirmed Manzoor, Murtaza Solangi and others spoke on the occasion.

The participants also laid floral wreaths at the portrait of Salman Taseer and prayed for the salvation of his departed soul.

The people were holding banners inscribed with slogans such as 'A symbol of Humanity- Salman Taseer', 'Speedy Justice for Taseer- a test for independent Judiciary', 'Shaheed-e-Insaniyat- Salman Taseer.'

Marvi Sirmed while speaking on the occasion said that it was really unfortunate that the country had lost Salman Taseer, Shahbaz Bhatti and now the sad news of the murder of journalist Salim Shahzad was an indication that war was going on and it was high time for the people to join hands against the cruel forces of extremists.

“This is the time, we have to compose ourselves and raise our voice collectively against the radicals and non-state actors as media persons can play a pivotal role in this regard if they know which way they should go,” she said.

She said that religious fanaticism had penetrated into the social fabric and unity was needed to counter it in an effective way. She said media is a fourth pillar of a state and it should play a pivotal role in bringing change in the society. She said media should project truth.