Islambad, Sep 24 : Pakistan Railway Minister Ghulam Ahmad Bilour has announced a $100,000 bounty for anyone who kills the man behind the anti-Islam film Innocence of Muslims.
On Saturday, Bilour, who belongs to the Awami National Party (ANP), not only announced the bounty from his personal resources but also invited the Taliban and Al-Qaeda to join the hunt.
His invitation to the Taliban has surprised everyone as the ANP and Taliban are sworn enemies with the party losing a number of leaders to Taliban suicide attacks.
Ironically, Bilour's own property was vandalised in Friday's violence, reports The Hindu.
Shama, a cinema hall owned by his family in Peshawar and a favourite haunt for those in search of adult movies, was burnt down by a mob.
Pakistan government has since sought to distance itself from Bilour's statement . The Prime Minister's spokesperson said, that this had nothing to do with the federal government.
Further, he said the Pakistan People's Party leadership would speak to the ANP to decide on the future course of action.
The ANP, for its part, has also distanced itself from the bounty offer. ANP MPs Bushra Gohar and Zahid Khan said this was in violation of party policy.
“There is no doubt it is irresponsible, outrageous, dangerous, and against party policy,” Bushra Gohar tweeted.
