Policy

Pakistani Minister Stands By His Bounty For Filmmaker's Death

Insists public opinion is with him

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistani government minister Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, who offered $100,000 for the death of a film-maker who produced an anti-Islam movie, stood by the bounty on Tuesday, saying it was the "only way" to stop insults to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Railways minister Bilour sparked international criticism when he offered the blood money, also urging Taliban and al Qaeda militants to carry out what he called the "noble deed".

The government and Bilour's own party, The Awam National Party, have distanced themselves from the reward for the person behind the crudely-made "Innocence of Muslims" disrespecting the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and sparking violent protests across the Muslim world.