Lawyers shower roses for governor’s killer!

[Watcher888]

To be honest, I do not know what to make of this!


Lawyers shower roses for governor’s killer

Posted by Maham Ali on Jan 6th, 2011 // No Comment
LAHORE: Lawyers showered the suspected killer of a prominent Pakistani governor with rose petals when he arrived at court Wednesday and an influential Muslim scholars group praised the assassination of the outspoken opponent of laws that order death for those who insult Islam.
Mumtaz Qadri made his first appearance in an Islamabad court, where a judge remanded him in custody a day after he allegedly sprayed automatic gunfire at the back of Punjab province Gov. Salman Taseer while he was supposed to be protecting him as a bodyguard.
A rowdy crowd slapped him on the back and kissed his cheek as he was escorted inside. The lawyers who tossed handfuls of rose petals over him were not involved in the case.
As he left the court, a crowd of about 200 sympathizers chanted ”death is acceptable for Muhammad’s slave.” The suspect stood at the back door of an armored police van with a flower necklace given to him by an admirer and repeatedly yelled ”God is great.”
More than 500 clerics and scholars from the group Jamat Ahle Sunnat said no one should pray or express regret for the killing of the governor. The group representing Pakistan’s majority Barelvi sect, which follows a brand of Islam considered moderate, also issued a veiled threat to other opponents of the blasphemy laws.
”The supporter is as equally guilty as one who committed blasphemy,” the group warned in a statement, adding politicians, the media and others should learn ”a lesson from the exemplary death.”
Jamat leader Maulana Shah Turabul Haq Qadri paid ”glorious tribute to the murderer … for his courage, bravery and religious honor and integrity.”
Mumtaz Qadri told interrogators Tuesday that he shot the liberal Taseer multiple times because of the politician’s vocal opposition to the harsh blasphemy laws. —Reuters

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[Thucydides1987]

What do you guys this of this article? Is the situation in Pakistani society truly as dire as the author presents it?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12129770

[Tilmeez]

:threadmrg

To be honest, I do not know what to make of this!

Nothing... You will kill yourself in gathering such things twisted by media and will reach nowhere, if you are true learner/ unbiased individual.
Have a look at the post after yours.

What do you guys this of this article? Is the situation in Pakistani society truly as dire as the author presents it?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12129770

Its just a proof that the writer Mr. Mohammad Hanif has never been aware of history. Or otherwise trying to twist the facts which is norm, unfortunately.

Ghazi Ilam Din Shaheed was such a murderer as Mumtaz Qadri. Ilam din killed a Hindo for the same reason in 1929. You know what? Salman Taseer father was the Biggest supporter of Ilam din along with Dr. Mohammad Iqbal. British Government had buried the Murderer outside Mianwali Jail without any religious rituals. ST's father supported the cause with Dr. Iqbal and got permission to dig out his body and perform the last Islamic rituals. The stretcher ilmudin was carried on was brought from ST's father's home. Getting my point??

ST has committed blasphemy, without any doubt, and thus history repeated itself. I have never been a fan of Pakistanis as they never have been good in anything. I really like them for their Religious Gheerah (Honour).

A rowdy crowd slapped him on the back and kissed his cheek as he was escorted inside. The lawyers who tossed handfuls of rose petals over him were not involved in the case.

Till yesterday 300 lawyers offered that they will fight Mumtaz Qadri's case free of cost. He is their hero.

which follows a brand of Islam considered moderate, also issued a veiled threat to other opponents of the blasphemy laws.

Blasphemy is the only thing all of schools of thought are united upon. And they should be.... I can't exactly recall but I remember what christens have done to Christ. Their freedom of expression has reached to show Christ as a gay (Na3ood Billah) in a movie and still counting. Don't expect Muslims to be so. They won't, Inshallah.


I do not wish to continue with this ... Just guided you with unbiased opinion rest is on you :)

[Perseveranze]

Asalaamu Alaikum,

Just respect each others religions. I can't speak for Christians or people of other faiths, but I know that I feel alot more offended when someone insults any of my Prophets(pbut) than if they insulted me or my family.

And when it comes to our final messenger(pbuh), for many Muslims it's like being stabbed in the chest. We just love him that much, many would sacrifice their families just to see him for even a second. Do not ever test someone's patience when it comes to insulting certain matters.

Anyways, despite getting extremely angry when something like that happens, we Muslims are taught to endure it and not to do anything extreme, we must never forget the following about Muhammad(pbuh);

People physically assaulted him.
People threw stones at him.
People threw dirty intestines on him whilst he was praying.
People threw their dirty garbage on him
People abused him
People killed his loved ones
People tried to give him poison in his food
People tried to spread false rumours about him
They laughed at him, Mocked at him
They made fun of Him
People tried to assassinate him
People harrassed him
He lost His two teeth in the Battle of Uhd
etc. List goes on...

The Prophet(pbuh) came back and conquered Mecca with full rights to get his justice against those who oppressed him and his message. Know what he did? He said "Go, you are free".

This inspired many great Muslim conquerers to take heed to these actions, one of the finest examples of imitation was that of Salahudin. When he recaptured the Holy Land back, he knew full well that when the Christian Crusaders took the Holy Land they brutally murdered every single innocent Muslim soul that was there. What did Salahudin do? He let them all go freely, not only this but he contracted a way in which religions of other faiths could still enter the Holy Land freely and worship in their sacred sites. And for many centuries the people of the book lived in peace together.

Take heed Muslims.

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[Tyrion]

[quote from deleted posts removed]

Asalaamu Alaikum,

Just respect each others religions. I can't speak for Christians or people of other faiths, but I know that I feel alot more offended when someone insults any of my Prophets(pbut) than if they insulted me or my family.

And when it comes to our final messenger(pbuh), for many Muslims it's like being stabbed in the chest. We just love him that much, many would sacrifice their families just to see him for even a second. Do not ever test someone's patience when it comes to insulting certain matters.

Anyways, despite getting extremely angry when something like that happens, we Muslims are taught to endure it and not to do anything extreme, we must never forget the following about Muhammad(pbuh);

People physically assaulted him.
People threw stones at him.
People threw dirty intestines on him whilst he was praying.
People threw their dirty garbage on him
People abused him
People killed his loved ones
People tried to give him poison in his food
People tried to spread false rumours about him
They laughed at him, Mocked at him
They made fun of Him
People tried to assassinate him
People harrassed him
He lost His two teeth in the Battle of Uhd
etc. List goes on...

The Prophet(pbuh) came back and conquered Mecca with full rights to get his justice against those who oppressed him and his message. Know what he did? He said "Go, you are free".

This inspired many great Muslim conquerers to take heed to these actions, one of the finest examples of imitation was that of Salahudin. When he recaptured the Holy Land back, he knew full well that when the Christian Crusaders took the Holy Land they brutally murdered every single innocent Muslim soul that was there. What did Salahudin do? He let them all go freely, not only this but he contracted a way in which religions of other faiths could still enter the Holy Land freely and worship in their sacred sites. And for many centuries the people of the book lived in peace together.

Take heed Muslims.

+1 :D

[tigerkhan]

i don't know why but i want no1 else reply to this thread and its should be closed. bcz its matter above over understanding. no1 from us here is a scholar to decide whether mumtaz qadri is a hero or a murderer , slaman taseer is murtad or what....
let us pray no1, even Muslim or non-Muslim never speaks anything against Islam, Islamic law, and prophet PBUH, ALLAH SWT save all of us from this. and ALLAH SWT make all Muslim more practicing and true Muslims. and ALLAH SWT also gives non-Muslim hidayat and to respect others religion and religious matter. ameen.

[Mohamed Issa]

Mumtaz Qadri is a hero in Islam great man May Allah (SWT) reward him. The Ummah should all be like this man.

[Dagless]

I didn't follow this very closely but did Taseer actually say anything blasphemous?

Mumtaz Qadri is a hero in Islam great man May Allah (SWT) reward him. The Ummah should all be like this man.

What gives one man the right to dish out his own law like this without trial?

[Mohamed Issa]

No need for trial, all who insult Islam should be killed. Its cowards like you who make this Ummah weak. Do research before trying to look smart understand the issue before talking. But you are still a brother & I say to peace be with you have a good day.

I didn't follow this very closely but did Taseer actually say anything blasphemous?



What gives one man the right to dish out his own law like this without trial?

[Muezzin]

No need for trial, all who insult Islam should be killed.

Taking the law into your own hands to murder an alleged blasphemer isn't exactly Islamic.

Its cowards like you who make this Ummah weak. Do research before trying to look smart understand the issue before talking.

The member you're replying to was specifically asking for clarification. I suppose calling him a coward for that will make the Ummah strong?

[Mohamed Issa]

Yet another coward defending the lies of the west, the governor was working to change the laws so people can insult the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) & Islam in Pakistan. So the death of this governor dog was a great job no need for a trial. So before trying to look smart understand the issue before talking, I did not clarify because how can someone talk about a issue when they have on idea whats happening. The brother asked What gives one man the right to dish out his own law like this without trial? He insults Islam so Death is his reward. Their are two type of Muslims in this world today Cowards like you who allow the enemies of Allah (SWT) to insult Islam, kill Muslims & remove the Islamic laws & than they are Mulims like Mumtaz Qadri who up hold Allah's Laws. May Allah (SWT) reward this man. Oh & cowards like you are making this Ummah weak please if you do not know what you are talking about than just shut up, read more than talk but I still love you for the sake of Allah (SWT) my brother may you have a good day.

Taking the law into your own hands to murder an alleged blasphemer isn't exactly Islamic.


The member you're replying to was specifically asking for clarification. I suppose calling him a coward for that will make the Ummah strong?

[purple]

Yet another coward defending the lies of the west, the governor was working to change the laws so people can insult the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) & Islam in Pakistan. So the death of this governor dog was a great job no need for a trial. So before trying to look smart understand the issue before talking, I did not clarify because how can someone talk about a issue when they have on idea whats happening. The brother asked What gives one man the right to dish out his own law like this without trial? He insults Islam so Death is his reward. Their are two type of Muslims in this world today Cowards like you who allow the enemies of Allah (SWT) to insult Islam, kill Muslims & remove the Islamic laws & than they are Mulims like Mumtaz Qadri who up hold Allah's Laws. May Allah (SWT) reward this man. Oh & cowards like you are making this Ummah weak please if you do not know what you are talking about than just shut up, read more than talk but I still love you for the sake of Allah (SWT) my brother may you have a good day.

:sl:
Calm down brother.
:wa:

[tigerkhan]

No need for trial, all who insult Islam should be killed. Its cowards like you who make this Ummah weak. Do research before trying to look smart understand the issue before talking. But you are still a brother & I say to peace be with you have a good day.

that was my fear, i know we let down to lowest level attitude and ahlaq in such disscusions.
naki burbad gunah lazim...

[GuestFellow]

Yet another coward defending the lies of the west

:sl:

Your accusing your own brother of being a coward? How brave are you exactly? Are you going out on the street, exposing the lies of the West?

[M.I.A.]

it seems to me there is no room for opposition in some peoples view of islam.
all those rose petal throwing lawyers that couldnt use the law or there own intellect to silence a man.
..soldiers who are willing to fight and die for islam, will only be of use when you have something worth fighting for and somebody to lead them who does not use them as assasins and drone bombers...
assasins and suicide bombers...they dont sound like the good guys.
and before you try and justify this by any stratagy neccessary to succeed.. the lawyers would have been far better and established a longer success, shame they could not do there jobs when it mattered.. when they needed to represent islam.

[Endymion]

In background of PPP's corrupt Government and the corrupt Governer Salman Taseer,i can only say that what happened to him was "Well Deserved".It was a fair Justice to me.

[M.I.A.]

In background of PPP's corrupt Government and the corrupt Governer Salman Taseer,i can only say that what happened to him was "Well Deserved".It was a fair Justice to me.

its not about anybodies end in particular, it is about establishing a firm basis for faith.. not questioning those of faith behind this event but if they hope to be the basis of faith in pakistan then is it an accurate reflection of an islamic country?

do you think that if that form of government takes of then will any question of authority against that govenment lead to anything other than fear of death?
you dont need to answer that as history and recent history is very clear on the subject.

this is not how islam worked is it?
war is a different matter entirely but the results of those are quite dramatic aswell.
transgression of bounds is a sin and more to worry about is that the losses of war are similar on both sides, that is something that takes a lot of consideration as the numbers dont match up.

[Dagless]

No need for trial, all who insult Islam should be killed. Its cowards like you who make this Ummah weak. Do research before trying to look smart understand the issue before talking. But you are still a brother & I say to peace be with you have a good day.

So if you go to a non-Islamic country and someone insults Islam would you kill them?
If what he did was so clearly right then why did he get arrested?

[M.I.A.]

So if you go to a non-Islamic country and someone insults Islam would you kill them?
If what he did was so clearly right then why did he get arrested?

nobody ever has done, i think all the way back to my childhood the worst anybody has done is call me a paki lol and that was when i was a kid and that kid was actually somebody that knew me.
the behaviour of people is something that usually requires a stimulas. i have been miles from home looking positively muslim in a non muslim town and not had even the slightest look.

anyway if open slander were allowed at least you would openly know who the slanderers were... would have been better for you in your day to day goings on.
boycotting such things would have been made far easier and those to trust would have been far easier to discern.
as is you play into the trap of going in all guns blazing into a very dark room. sure nobody of sound mind fears for there own life but whatever the larger picture is.. your letting other people draw it.

[Perseveranze]

Yet another coward defending the lies of the west, the governor was working to change the laws so people can insult the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) & Islam in Pakistan. So the death of this governor dog was a great job no need for a trial. So before trying to look smart understand the issue before talking, I did not clarify because how can someone talk about a issue when they have on idea whats happening. The brother asked What gives one man the right to dish out his own law like this without trial? He insults Islam so Death is his reward. Their are two type of Muslims in this world today Cowards like you who allow the enemies of Allah (SWT) to insult Islam, kill Muslims & remove the Islamic laws & than they are Mulims like Mumtaz Qadri who up hold Allah's Laws. May Allah (SWT) reward this man. Oh & cowards like you are making this Ummah weak please if you do not know what you are talking about than just shut up, read more than talk but I still love you for the sake of Allah (SWT) my brother may you have a good day.

Asalaamu Alaikum,

The Prophet said; I warn you regarding ghuluww/extremism, because communities before you were destroyed due to extremism [Nisa'i]. Greater still is the warning against extremism in religion, as Allah warns "la taghlu fi dinikum" / do not be extreme in your religion. [Qur'an 4:171]

Why didn't the Prophet(pbuh) kill everyone that insulted him? Why is it that when the Prophet got almost stoned to death in Taif, running with blood dripping from his head to toe, why did the Prophet do what he did?

Jibrail told him that Allah [God] sent this angel with him so that if he wanted, the angel would crush the town between the two surrounding mountains. The Prophet, in his great patience, replied not with violence but with the statement: “O Allah, guide these people.”


Go see Ta'if now, everyone there is a Muslim and the city is beautiful, I even read that rare types of plants grow there that don't grow anywhere else on the planet.

By reacting in the manner your suggesting, it will not only go against the true message and meaning of Islam, but it will only make hatred manifest even greater. Something in which the teachings of Islam is an antitode against, this is why Islam is for mankind, not just a group of individuals.

[Muezzin]

Yet another coward defending the lies of the west,

Excuse me?

the governor was working to change the laws so people can insult the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) & Islam in Pakistan. So the death of this governor dog was a great job no need for a trial.

How often has anyone been executed for committing blasphemy in Pakistan since the country gained independence?

So before trying to look smart understand the issue before talking, I did not clarify because how can someone talk about a issue when they have on idea whats happening.

He was asking you to explain to him what was happening. Rather than telling him, you called him a coward.

The brother asked What gives one man the right to dish out his own law like this without trial? He insults Islam so Death is his reward.

I missed the part where Mumtaz Qadri became a judge. They are the ones to decide whether a person is to be executed or not.

Their are two type of Muslims in this world today

There are two types of people in the world - those who split people into two groups, and those who do not.

Cowards like you who allow the enemies of Allah (SWT) to insult Islam, kill Muslims & remove the Islamic laws

I am a coward who has insulted Islam, killed Muslims and removed Islamic laws? Did that make sense to you when you wrote it?

& than they are Mulims like Mumtaz Qadri who up hold Allah's Laws.

We have a system in place to uphold Allah's laws.

May Allah (SWT) reward this man.

May Allah (SWT) guide this man.

Oh & cowards like you are making this Ummah weak

Says the person nonsensically insulting fellow Muslims over the Internet.

please if you do not know what you are talking about than just shut up, read more than talk

You would do well to heed your own advice.

but I still love you for the sake of Allah (SWT)

Insulting people then telling you love them for the sake of Allah (SWT) doesn't make that profession of love sound very sincere, but hey, I love you too.

[Endymion]

its not about anybodies end in particular, it is about establishing a firm basis for faith.. not questioning those of faith behind this event but if they hope to be the basis of faith in pakistan then is it an accurate reflection of an islamic country?

do you think that if that form of government takes of then will any question of authority against that govenment lead to anything other than fear of death?
you dont need to answer that as history and recent history is very clear on the subject.

this is not how islam worked is it?
war is a different matter entirely but the results of those are quite dramatic aswell.
transgression of bounds is a sin and more to worry about is that the losses of war are similar on both sides, that is something that takes a lot of consideration as the numbers dont match up.

I did not made this comment in context of Islam but the situation Mr Taseer's political party made in Pakistan.If you know whats going on in Pakistan,you will agree with what i said.PPP's government is lack of everything.They almost ruined this country.People are dying there like cats and dogs and they are just making money.They just want to make sure their security and forget what their responsibilities are.Mr Taseer and others leaders of this party keep guards with them and travel in armored cars and helicopters.They think those bad circumstances and death is only for poors but this happens to them sometimes.Their jungle laws applied to them and they also murdered like poor people in spite of all that security.
Talking about he made blasphemy against the beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW,i am not sure whether his punishment was death or not becoz he commit blasphemy in an indirect manner.He called the blasphemy law a "Black law" and further he said that he puts such laws on the toes of his shoes.I dont justify the murder by the hands of a common person but i do think such a person should get some serious punishment so he will be careful in talking next time what he is saying and about "Whom" he is talking.
I think i explain my point :)

[Jibrael]

Assalaamu alaikum

When it comes to taking the law into your "own hands" in respect to punishing those guilty of blasphemy, Islam allows it. The proof is in the authentic Hadeeth narrated in Sunan abi Dawud by Ali ibn Abi Talib رضى الله عنه:

عَنْ الشَّعْبِيِّ عَنْ عَلِيٍّ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ أَنَّ يَهُودِيَّةً كَانَتْ تَشْتُمُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَتَقَعُ فِيهِ فَخَنَقَهَا رَجُلٌ حَتَّى مَاتَتْ فَأَبْطَلَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ دَمَهَا

According to the Hadeeth, a Jewish woman used to commit blasphemy against the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. A man strangled her to death, and this was mentioned to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم who declared that there is no blood money due in this case.

The point to consider is that this man took the law into his own hands as soon as her heard the Jewish woman committing blasphemy against the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم.

[Mohamed Issa]

Thank you brothers Jibrael & Endymion. First I would like to reply to the weak Comment: If you go to a non-Islamic country and someone insults Islam would you kill them? Maybe as not all insult are as bad. If what he did was so clearly right then why did he get arrested? See by you saying why did he get arrested shows me & everyone else you do not the Issue first thing the Pakistani government is corrupt helping the west on the war on Islam by Allow the united snakes of America to bomb Pakistanis & than lie say they condemn this act. And to the brother who said Your accusing your own brother of being a coward? How brave are you exactly? Are you going out on the street, exposing the lies of the West? Yes I call him a coward because one who does not stand up for Islam is a coward you want to appease the west like others. This man wants to appease Allah (SWT) may Allah (SWT) Reward this Lion of Islam. Its like how the brother Jibrael said about the Hadith which I have read, so maybe some need to read Hadiths before talking & acting like cowards for the west. This is for brother who is a coward for the west who says: insulting fellow Muslims over the Internet. What insult I’m calling you a coward for saying what the western newspapers & news said. This governor got his reward. Please don’t appease the west, appease Allah (SWT). Read the Hadiths understand Islam than talk. Love to all the sincere Muslims who fight for the Shari'ah .

[Tyrion]

^Trolls are so cute. :)

[Dagless]

Thank you brothers Jibrael & Endymion. First I would like to reply to the weak Comment: If you go to a non-Islamic country and someone insults Islam would you kill them? Maybe as not all insult are as bad.

There are many people in Western countries who insult Islam, go to speakers corner sometime and check out the stuff some members of the public say.
You are stating that "maybe" you would kill someone in a non-Muslim country? I think if you lived in the West you would spend most of your days either killing people or sitting in jail.

And to the brother who said Your accusing your own brother of being a coward? How brave are you exactly? Are you going out on the street, exposing the lies of the West? Yes I call him a coward because one who does not stand up for Islam is a coward you want to appease the west like others. This man wants to appease Allah (SWT) may Allah (SWT) Reward this Lion of Islam. Its like how the brother Jibrael said about the Hadith which I have read, so maybe some need to read Hadiths before talking & acting like cowards for the west. This is for brother who is a coward for the west who says: insulting fellow Muslims over the Internet. What insult I’m calling you a coward for saying what the western newspapers & news said. This governor got his reward. Please don’t appease the west, appease Allah (SWT). Read the Hadiths understand Islam than talk. Love to all the sincere Muslims who fight for the Shari'ah .

Your insults are pointless because you don't know any of the Muslim brothers on here and even if you did there is nothing for us to appease. The discussion here changes nothing and carries no weight. We are only clarifying.

[Mohamed Issa]

I'm done here on this topic I have said what needs to be said, oh what insults i'm not insulting you or anyone else appeaser of the west i'm saying some are cowards like you & some will fight for the Shari'ah. May Allah (SWT) Reward this Lion of Islam. Now may I ask you a question appeaser of the west have you read the Hadith the brother put up if no read it & start using your mind. Have a good day appeaser of the west May Allah (SWT) guide you & make you one of the Lions of Islam. Love from your brother.

Your insults are pointless because you don't know any of the Muslim brothers on here and even if you did there is nothing for us to appease. The discussion here changes nothing and carries no weight. We are only clarifying.[/QUOTE]

[Dagless]

I'm done here on this topic I have said what needs to be said, oh what insults i'm not insulting you or anyone else appeaser of the west i'm saying some are cowards like you & some will fight for the Shari'ah. May Allah (SWT) Reward this Lion of Islam. Now may I ask you a question appeaser of the west have you read the Hadith the brother put up if no read it & start using your mind. Have a good day appeaser of the west May Allah (SWT) guide you & make you one of the Lions of Islam. Love from your brother.

Maybe you need to look up what 'insult' means? and saying "appeaser of the west" over and over makes you sound very mature.
I have read the hadith, so did Taseer insult the prophet (saw)?
Perhaps we should discuss this more after your 14th birthday?

^Trolls are so cute. :)

You're probably right. Better stop feeding.

[Issa Abdullah]

Assalaamu alaikum dear brothers

Hey brother Dagless why are you insult brother mohamed issa. Perhaps we should discuss this more after your 14th birthday? Don't act like a kid don't say things like this. The brother gave you his love & you did not return it thats bad. & brother Tyrion why are you calling the brother a troll if you do not agree question him do not insult the brother.

[Ramadhan]

Assalaamu alaikum dear brothers

:wa:

Are you guys related?

[Issa Abdullah]

Pakistan rally backs blasphemy law

Demonstration in Karachi against possible changes to controversial legislation draws tens of thousands of people.


Protesters hold a placard with the image of the guard arrested for the killing of the governor of Punjab [Reuters]

Tens of thousands of people have rallied in the Pakistani city of Karachi against possible changes to the blasphemy law that was behind the killing of Salman Taseer, the governor of Punjab.
A large number of police officers guarded Sunday's demonstration, which forced the closure of businesses and roads in the area. Participants chanted slogans and waved the flags of religious parties.
Taseer was killed in the capital, Islamabad, last Tuesday over his views in favour of the blasphemy law's amendment. That liberal stance offended the country's increasingly powerful conservative religious base.
Qari Ahsaan, from the banned group Jamaat ud Dawa, addressed the crowd from a stage, saying: "We can't compromise on the blasphemy law. It's a divine law and nobody can change it."
"Our belief in the sanctity of our prophet is firm and uncompromising and we cannot tolerate anyone who blasphemes. Whoever blasphemes will face the same fate as Salman Taseer."
But speaking to Al Jazeera from Islamabad, Omar Waraich, Pakistan correspondent for the UK's Independence newspaper, said:"The reality is that there are no moves afoot right now to amend this law in any way. The government and the ruling party [Pakistan People's Party, or PPP] have backed off that."
"It [the rally] certainly means that a more radical, more intolerant mood has become mainstream in Pakistan for the moment.
"For the moment the liberal voices have been silenced."
Deep faultlines
Pakistan has yet to execute anyone for blasphemy, but Bibi's case has exposed the deep faultlines in the conservative country.


Sunday's protesters held banners in support of the police commando who shot dead Taseer. "Mumtaz Qadri is not a murderer, he is a hero," said one banner in the national Urdu language.
"We salute the courage of Qadri," said another.
Waraich called the Karachi rally "a display of muscle".
"This is a muscle-flexing exercise by the religious right in Pakistan who, after the tragic events of this week when Salman Taseer was assassinated, they feel emboldened by the fact that there have been many cheering that tragedy and are now out to make political capital out of it," he said.
The blasphemy law was recently used to sentence Asia Bibi, a Christian mother-of-five, to death. Politicians and conservative religious leaders have been at loggerheads over whether Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan's president, should pardon her.
Controversy over the law flared when Sherry Rehman, a former information minister and a senior PPP member, tabled a bill in November seeking to end the death penalty for blasphemy.
Rehman spoke to AFP from her heavily guarded home in Karachi on Sunday and said she would not be cowed by the protest.
"They can't silence me ... it's not any extreme position like a repeal bill, it's very rational," she said. "They can't decide what we think or speak, these are man-made laws."
Sentences commuted
Most of those convicted of blasphemy in Pakistan have their sentences overturned or commuted on appeal through the courts.
However, Waraich of The Independent said, "what happens with these blasphemy laws is that they are used to give militants and vigilante groups and even the states, cover when actions are taken against minorities, especially the beleaguered Christian community in Pakistan".
The pro-blasphemy law rally took place in Karachi as Christian groups held memorial services in Islamabad and in the eastern city of Lahore to honour Taseer.
Bishop Alexander John Malik led a rare gathering of 300 Christians at a cathedral in Lahore on Sunday.
"He was a voice for the oppressed section of society. We dedicate this day to him," Malik said, before leading prayers for Taseer.
Only around three per cent of Pakistan's population of 167 million are estimated to be non-Muslim.

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