South Asian Gazette Worldwide News Work
Hours after the top court’s verdict in Aasia Bibi case following protests in parts of the country, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that Pakistan stands on the basis of faith in the Prophet (PBUH) but whoever is found involved in instigating a chaos in the name of Islam will be dealt with the law of the land.
“Today, the Supreme Court of Pakistan issued a verdict,” PM Imran said. “This decision of the judges was given in accordance with the Constitution, which itself functions under the Quran and the Sunnah.”
Our faith as Muslims, he added, is incomplete without our faith in and love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH). “Those provoking the masses to take to streets, and threatening to attack state institutions, judges and the army, will not be tolerated.”
Earlier today, the Supreme Court of Pakistan acquitted Aasia Bibi – a Christian woman accused of blasphemy in 2010 and sentenced to death – and set aside an earlier judgment passed by a lower court.
These elements, the premier added, don’t hold the cause dear, but instead want to stir unrest in the country in order to increase their vote bank.
He warned that whoever is found involved in bringing life at a standstill in any part of the country will be dealt with as per the law of the land. “I also appeal to the masses to not adhere to such people, and stay calm and peaceful.”
PM Imran further said that Pakistan’s economy is going through a difficult phase, and the country needs to continue to prosper.
The 51-year-old Christian woman was on the death row since November 2010 after she was convicted on charges of committing blasphemy during an argument with two Muslim women in Sheikhupura.
Her case gained prominence after then Punjab governor Salmaan Taseer pleaded for a retrial of her case and was subsequently shot dead by one of his guards, Mumtaz Qadri, in January 2011.
Aasia challenged the verdict in October 2014, however, the LHC upheld the death sentence. The apex court had stayed the execution in July 2015.
