UK bans Pakistan Railways Minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour’s entry

Federal Minister for Railways Ghulam Ahmed Bilour has been barred by the British government from travelling to the United Kingdom (UK) in retaliation for the bounty he offered for the murder of a US anti-Islam filmmaker.

The minister offered $100,000 bounty for anyone who kills the maker of an anti-Islam film, ‘Innocence of Muslims’.

According to reports, the decision was apparently taken in a high level meeting with Britain’s home secretary Theresa May who decided that Bilour’s presence in the country would not be conducive to the public good.

Bilour, however, shrugged off the ban saying he stood by his words more firmly now and a British government envoy had conveyed to him the decision of his government.

The railways minister, who visited Britain last year, said he was unmoved by the decision because it would save his dollars.

He noted, “I have already spoken my mind to the UK diplomat who delivered a letter to me that I don’t care and anyone daring blasphemy will face the Prophet’s (PBUH) lovers.”

Bilour has stated that that freedom of speech should not be used as an excuse to insult Islam – a view now popular amongst Muslims who suspect that the right-wing elements in the west are involved in a sustained campaign to defame Islam.

Theresa May faced calls from her own ruling party parliamentarians to bar Bilour from Britain. Bilour, like other Pakistani politicians, has been a regular visitor to London and ANP has a strong support base in Birmingham where its annual summer event attracts major party figures.

The government of Pakistan and Bilour’s Awami National Party (ANP) distanced themselves from his offer citing his comments didn’t reflect the government’s policy.

The ANP said at the time: “We are a secular party. We consider al Qaeda and Taliban as our enemy.”

A day after dozens of protestors died in Pakistan over the film, Bilour announced: “I announce today that this blasphemer who has abused the Holy Prophet, if somebody will kill him.” In result of his remarks, Taliban said they have removed Bilour from their hit list.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=33947

Posted by Faisal Farooq on Oct 12 2012. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.