The governor of Pakistan's most dominant province -- Punjab -- was shot and killed in Islamabad today (January 4, 2011) by a bodyguard, who authorities said was angry about the governor's opposition to blasphemy laws carrying the death sentence for insulting the Muslim faith, according to the Associated Press website.
Punjab Governor Salman Taseer -- regarded as a moderate voice in a country increasingly beset by Islamic fanaticism -- is the highest-profile Pakistani political figure to be assassinated since former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's assassination three years ago.
Mumtaz Qadri -- a police commando guarding Taseer -- unloaded up to 26 rounds on Taseer from an automatic rifle. Other guards then forced Qadri to the ground, according to police officials.
Taseer's assassination clearly illustrates the growing danger in Pakistan to anyone who dares to challenge the demands of Islamist extremists.
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