Islamabad: The Pakistan government today disassociated itself from a federal minister's offer of a USD 100,000 bounty for the maker of an anti-Islam video that sparked worldwide protests, saying it had nothing to do with the move.
"We disassociate ourselves from the minister's remarks," a government spokesman said in a brief message sent to journalists, referring to the reward offered yesterday by Railway Minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour.
The office of Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf too distanced itself from the minister's action, saying the government had nothing to do with Bilour's statement.
The spokesman did not rule out action against the Railway Minister but said the ruling Pakistan People's Party and the ANP would continue working together as usual.
Khan said the ANP would seek an "explanation" from Bilour about his actions.
He said he was unwilling to accept acts of blasphemy and the US and the European Union should frame laws to prevent acts such as the making of the anti-Islam film.
While addressing the news conference yesterday, Bilour had called on members of the banned Taliban and Al Qaeda to support his call for the killing of the film's maker.
Bilour's announcement caused consternation in political circles as he belongs to the secular ANP, whose workers and leaders have been the target of vicious attacks by the Taliban. Scores of ANP workers have died in these attacks.
The minister's remarks came a day after violent protests across Pakistan resulted in 23 deaths and destruction of property worth billions of rupees.
"We disassociate ourselves from the minister's remarks," a government spokesman said in a brief message sent to journalists, referring to the reward offered yesterday by Railway Minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour.
The office of Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf too distanced itself from the minister's action, saying the government had nothing to do with Bilour's statement.
The spokesman did not rule out action against the Railway Minister but said the ruling Pakistan People's Party and the ANP would continue working together as usual.
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Khan said the ANP would seek an "explanation" from Bilour about his actions.
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He said he was unwilling to accept acts of blasphemy and the US and the European Union should frame laws to prevent acts such as the making of the anti-Islam film.
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While addressing the news conference yesterday, Bilour had called on members of the banned Taliban and Al Qaeda to support his call for the killing of the film's maker.
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Bilour's announcement caused consternation in political circles as he belongs to the secular ANP, whose workers and leaders have been the target of vicious attacks by the Taliban. Scores of ANP workers have died in these attacks.
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The minister's remarks came a day after violent protests across Pakistan resulted in 23 deaths and destruction of property worth billions of rupees.
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