London: April 9, 2016. (PC) A man accused of murdering a Pakistani Ahmadi shopkeeper claimed in a statement that he allegedly attacked Asad Shah because he disrespected the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). After appearing for a preliminary court hearing in Glasgow, Tanveer Ahmed from Bradford in northern England, issued a statement through his lawyer It read: “Asad Shah disrespected the messenger of Islam the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. Mr Shah claimed to be a Prophet." “If I had not done this others would and there would have been more killing and violence in the world. “I wish to make it clear that the incident was nothing at all to do with Christianity or any other religious beliefs — even although I am a follower of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him I also love and respect Jesus Christ." In Pakistan Ahmadis are persecuted and considered by many to be non-Muslims, and subsequently attached for reading the Holy Quran, holding religious celebrations and having Quranic verses on rings or wedding cards. Mr Nasir Saeed, Director for CLAAS-UK, expressed his great concern over Ahmed's statement. He said: "This statement suggests that intolerance and radicalisation is continuing to rise in the UK. “is very scary and other people may follow Ahmed's footsteps. Therefore, it is very important for the Courts to deal with such cases with extra wisdom in order to demonstrate a strong deterrent. "Unfortunately the blasphemy law continues to be used against minorities in Pakistan to intimidate and harass them, to attack their worship places, set fire to Christian settlements and even kill innocent people. "Christians and other religious minorities consider this law a root cause of their persecution and have been demanding changes to it for years. But no government has dared to even discuss this in parliament. Bureaucrats and politicians deliberately avoid this issue to avoid confrontation with Islamist extremists groups."