Rehman Malik Says, ‘Refusing Security Was Bhatti’s Mistake’

Interior Minister Rehman Malik Thursday claimed that killing of Shahbaz Bhatti was not the result of insufficient security, Minister for Minorities Affairs in Islamabad. Talking to media men here, Rehman Malik blamed what he said the slain minister’s ‘own negligence’ that invited the fatal armed assault on the latter. He added, “If the failure of security could have been proved, I would have resigned forthwith”. He said allocation of housing unit in Minister’s Enclave was too not the responsibility of Interior Minister.
However, a bullet-proof vehicle was provided to the slain minister which he had returned terming it faulty, he added. While on the other side, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif Thursday declared the brutal killing of Shahbaz Bhatti as a tragedy for the entire nation, and warned Interior Minister Rehman Malik not to indulge in hate mongering by fanning provincialism over acts of terrorism.

Shahbaz Sharif visited the office of the deceased’s organization and also the latter’s residence and expressed condolence with the bereaved family members.