Pope calls for repeal of blasphemy laws in Pakistan

THE killer of a liberal Pakistani politician provided a judge yesterday with the names of two men whose sermons allegedly sparked him to act.

The slaying of Punjab province governor Salman Taseer nearly a week ago shocked many around the world, but tens of thousands of Pakistanis have expressed support for 26-year-old Mumtaz Qadri, who said he killed the governor for criticising laws that carry the death penalty for insulting Islam.

That support, and the lack of criticism of the assassination by many politicians, shows the increasing influence of hardline Islamist ideology in Pakistan, a key ally in Washington’s war against the Taliban and al-Qaida.