Appointed Governor of Punjab in May 2008, Salmaan Taseer became a prominent figure in Pakistani politics by challenging the state's controversial blasphemy laws. His tenure in office and his public advocacy for the pardon of Asia Bibi defined his later career, eventually leading to his targeted killing by a member of his own security detail in early 2011.
Early Development and Education
Born on 31 May 1944 in Shimla, British India, Taseer was the son of Muhammad Din Taseer and Christobel George. His father was a professor who held a PhD from the United Kingdom. After his father passed away in 1950, Taseer was raised by his mother in constrained financial circumstances. He attended St. Anthony's High School in Lahore before relocating to London to complete his formal qualifications in chartered accountancy.
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Taseer established a series of professional accountancy and management consultancy firms early in his career. In 1995, he founded the First Capital Securities Corporation, a brokerage house formed in partnership with Smith Barney. He later established the Worldcall Group in 1996, which evolved into a significant private telecommunications provider. By 2001, he had entered the media sector by founding Media Times, which managed various television channels and launched newspapers such as the Daily Times and Aaj Kal.
Political Engagement
Taseer joined the Pakistan Peoples Party during the 1960s and authored a political biography of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1980. While he secured a seat in the Punjab Assembly in 1988, he faced multiple electoral defeats throughout the 1990s. Before becoming governor, he served as a minister in the caretaker cabinet led by Muhammad Mian Soomro. His governorship was marked by both political achievements and controversy, including a constitutional dispute regarding his unauthorized travel abroad.
Assassination
On 4 January 2011, Taseer was killed at the Kohsar Market in Islamabad. His bodyguard, Malik Mumtaz Qadri, fired 27 shots from an assault rifle, citing Taseer's opposition to blasphemy legislation as the motive. The event triggered a national period of mourning, and Taseer was subsequently interred at the Lahore Cantonment. Following his death, his son Shahbaz was kidnapped by the Pakistani Taliban, remaining in captivity until 2016.
Fast facts
- Born: 31 May 1944, Shimla
- Died: 4 January 2011, Kohsar Market
- Education: St. Anthony's High School, London
- Governor of Punjab: 2008-2011
- Religion: Islam
- Burial place: Lahore Cantonment
Questions readers ask
What led to the assassination of Salmaan Taseer?
He was killed by his bodyguard, Malik Mumtaz Qadri, who objected to Taseer's public criticism of Pakistan's blasphemy laws.
Which positions did Taseer hold in government?
He served as a minister in the caretaker cabinet under Pervez Musharraf and as the 34th Governor of Punjab.
