Can you name this country?

It is the fifth largest democracy in the world.

It has nuclear weapons and is home to millions of religious extremists.

It is both a leading fighter against and a major supporter of terrorism.

The answer, of course, is Pakistan.

Its unique makeup poses a question that you preoccupy everyone.

And two diametrically opposed form to society.

A free one and one based on religious, sharia, Islamic law exists in one nation.

A very disturbing, true story gives us a possible answer.

On January 4, 2011, Sol Montessier, the former governor of Punjab, the nation's most populous

province, had lunch with a friend in Kosoa market, an upscale international series of

stores and restaurants.

I lived only a few blocks away at the time.

Throughout his career, Tassir was outspoken in his belief that freedom, democracy and pluralism

were inseparable, and that all religious minorities should be protected.

Such ideas, however, are anathema to extremists.

As a consequence over the years, Tassir had received numerous personal death threats.

I knew him.

I interviewed him.

I spent time with him.

He showed extraordinary courage by refusing to be silenced.

After lunch, the governor left with his aides and his bodyguards and headed toward his car.

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