Islamabad: Radical Islamists held protests across Pakistan against the acquittal of a Christian woman sentenced to death for committing blasphemy, defying Prime Minister Imran Khan’s stern warning. Aasia Bibi, 47, was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting Islam in a row with her neighbours. The apex court’s judgment triggered protests across Pakistan with protesters led by Islamic political party Tehreek-i-Labaik Pakistan and other groups blocking major highways and roads in different parts of the country.
PM Khan and Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa held a meeting to discuss “the overall situation in the country and other important issues”, information minister Fawad Chaudhry said. Following the protests, Section 144 was imposed across Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan barring the gathering of more than four persons in public places. Major disturbance was witnessed in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.
Meanwhile, Bibi remained at an undisclosed location where the 54-year-old mother of five was being held for security reasons, awaiting her formal release, her brother, James Masih said. Masih said his sister simply would not be safe in Pakistan. “She has no other option and she will leave the country soon,” he said. Masih would not disclose the country of her destination but several countries, including Canada, France and Spain, have offered asylum. Bibi’s husband, Ashiq Masih, had returned from Britain with their children in mid-October and was waiting for her to join them, the brother added.
Bibi’s case has been deeply divisive in Pakistan where there is strong support for the controversial blasphemy laws. Talking tough, PM Khan told hardliners not to “confront the State” and refrain from vandalism. Radical Islamists demanded that Bibi be publicly executed. They've also filed a petition to repeal her Supreme Court acquittal. The government says Bibi remains in Pakistan, at a secret location for her own protection, until the review process is finished.
Asia Bibi’s lawyer flees Pakistan
The lawyer of Asia Bibi fled Pakistan after fearing for his life amid countrywide protests. Her lawyer Saiful Malook claimed that he was facing life threats from sections of lawyers and it was difficult for him to practice in the prevailing situation. He, however, clarified that he would return to Pakistan to represent his client at the hearing of the review petition if the army provided him security. "My family is also facing immense security threats and the federal government should provide security to them," Malook said.
