DHAKA: The funeral is taking place in Pakistan of the former bodyguard executed for killing Punjab’s governor over his opposition to blasphemy laws.

Security was tight as about 50,000 mourners gathered to pay their last respects to Mumtaz Qadri in Rawalpindi, reports the BBC.

Qadri was hailed as a hero by Islamists for the 2011 killing of Salman Taseer, who wanted to reform the strict laws.

Thousands of police are deployed along the route of the funeral procession and in the nearby capital, Islamabad.

Qadri supporters threw rose petals on his coffin, media reports from Liaquat Bagh park where the funeral was being held.

His execution on Monday prompted protesters to take to the streets in cities in Pakistan.

BDST: 1747 HRS, MAR 01, 2016
RR