Pak tense after blasphemy ruling

ISLAMABAD : Most cities in Pakistan remained tense as activists of religious parties blocked major roads a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan issued a warning against those agitating against the Supreme Court verdict to acquit Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death on charges of blasphemy.

Khan sharply criticised the protests that broke out, and are still underway, across the country in response to the judgement, saying people's livelihood was being harmed through the roadblocks and demonstrations.

The premier regretted the language used by some hardliners against Supreme Court judges.

Most offices, shops and schools, however, remained closed on fears of violence by activists of different religious parties.

Religious parties have also said they will hold nationwide protests on Friday as well.

A day after the verdict, Chief Justice Saqib Nisar asked how the Supre Court could punish someone if the charges against them could not be proven.

“I and the bench are all lovers of the Prophet (peace be upon him),” Nisar commented during the hearing of a separate case on Thursday.

“We are ready to sacrifice ourselves for the Prophet's honour. But we are not judges only for Muslims,” he asserted.

“If there is no proof against someone, how can we punish them?”