Tight security in Pakistan for funeral of murdered governor

The governor of Pakistan’s dominant province shot dead by a bodyguard will be buried today amid tight security.

Authorities say the bodyguard was outraged that Punjab governor Salman Taseer opposed blasphemy laws carrying the death sentence for insulting the Muslim faith.

Leaders and supporters of the ruling Pakistan People’s Party gathered at Mr Taseer’s official residence in Lahore ahead of his funeral.

Authorities have installed walk-through metal detectors at the house as an added security measure for the funeral, while police patrol the streets to maintain peace.

Mr Taseer was shot in the back yesterday as he left a restaurant.

US secretary of state Hillary Clinton called Mr Taseer’s death “a great loss”.