Pakistan to mourn Salman Taseer's killing

The Pakistan government on Tuesday announced three days of mourning for Punjab governor Salman Taseer, whose assassination by one of his guards was widely condemned by political parties and leaders.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani also issued orders for a state funeral for Taseer and said that he would be laid to rest with full state honours.

The national flag will remain at half mast during the period of mourning as a mark of respect for the slain governor.

Taseer was gunned down in a market in the heart of Islamabad by a guard who was angered by the Governor's opposition to a controversial blasphemy law.

Taseer had spoken out against the law and called for the pardon of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death last year after being convicted for insulting Prophet Mohammed.

His actions had drawn the ire of religious hardliners and politico-religious parties like the Jamaat-e-Islami.

Taseer was a close aide of Pakistan People's Party leader and President Asif Ali Zardari though he had served as a minister in a caretaker government during the regime of military ruler Pervez Musharraf.

Leaders from across the political spectrum condemned Taseer's murder.

In a message, President Asif Ali Zardari described the assassination as a "most ghastly" crime and said the perpetrators of the crime must be punished.

Paying tribute to Taseer, Zardari said he was "endowed with great courage and energy" and "employed his gifted qualities in the service" of the country.

"He faced the vicissitudes of life with composure, resilience and courage," Zardari said.

Taseer's death was also condoled by foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain, cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan and the chief ministers of the four provinces.

Expressing shock at the murder of Taseer, Imran Khan said: "It is a sad day for the nation when political leaders are targeted, as this reflects the dangerous level of intolerance and polarisation that has pervaded Pakistani society".

The ongoing session of the National Assembly or lower house of Parliament was adjourned without taking up any agenda item today to mourn the death of Taseer.

The House offered prayers for the slain governor and several lawmakers condemned the murder.