KARACHI: Sherry Rehman, Pakistan People’s Party MNA and an advocate of the rights of women and minorities, said Mr Taseer’s assassination “represents a terrible loss to the progressive forces in Pakistan”.

She said: “It is also a clear signal to the state that some serious thought, planning and resources need to go into facing this threat to the state and nation”.

“It is a very tragic incident and I grieve with Mr Taseer’s family at the loss,” she added.