Punjab Governor says Gojra incident could have been averted

Faisalabad (PPI): Punjab Governor Salman Taseer says Gojra incident could have been averted if police and administration had reacted diligently, efficiently and with responsibility. Addressing Christians while visiting Christian Colony, Catholic Church and village Korian near Gojra Tuesday, he expressed grief and said such treatment to Christians in Pakistan of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto is ``highly regrettable.'' ``The white strip in our national flag clearly admits presence of minorities and PPP would continue its struggle for their rights. Christians are very dear to us as a Christian had committed suicide on hanging of Shaheed Z A Bhutto. We are duty bound to protect their fundamental and constitutional rights,'' Taseer stated. He said President Asif Ali Zardari took immediate notice and sent Rangers to restore normalcy and protect Christians life and properties. We are here to share your grievances and give you sense of protection on special directive of President Asif Zardari.'' He assured Christians federal government would help and protect their life and property at all costs. He directed Chairman Evacuee Trust Property to send engineers to undertake the work for repair and construction of damaged houses. Governor described Gojra incident as ``a black spot on Pakistan's face. We all should make serious efforts to remove it as early as possible. Gojra incident is not a sudden happening, it was a planned conspiracy. ``Same elements are involved in it that had turned Swat into a hell. We had flushed them out from Swat and would also eliminate them from Punjab. The families of deceasad will get Rs 5 lac and Rs 3 lac given for repair of damaged properties,'' he added. Federal Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti said judicial inquiry into this incident has already been ordered and strict action would be taken against elements responsible for these riots. He said President Zardari asked him to go to Gojra to condole with affectees. ``We will remain here till complete rehabilitation of affectees.'' Bhatti said President took immediate notice and sent Rangers to control the situation. He termed incident as ``a deep rooted conspiracy to sabotage the efforts of government to promote religious harmony. The elements involved in this riot would not be spared.'' Rana Mohammad Farooq Saeed Khan Federal Textile Industry Minister, Punjab Revenue Minister Haji Muhammad Ishaq & Ms Neelum Jabbar were also present.