Imran pledges to uphold rule of law after protests
DEFIANT HARDLINERS IN PAKISTAN INTENSIFY BLOCKADE FOLLOWING AISA BIBI VERDICT
Pakistan’s Islamist political parties took to the streets in major cities for second day yesterday, defying Prime Minister Imran Khan’s call for calm after the Supreme Court overturned the blasphemy conviction of Asia Bibi.
Majority of schools remained closed in Islamabad and police were on high alert throughout the day. Most protests were reported in Punjab province, known as the home ground for extremist religious groups.
Bibi’s acquittal posed a challenge to Pakistan’s new Prime Minister Imran Khan, who came to power partly by pursuing the Islamist agenda. He asked protesters not to “test the patience of the state” and warned:“We will protect people’s properties and lives and will not allow any sabotage.”
Bibi remained at an undisclosed location yesterday, where the 54-year-old mother of five was being held for security reasons, awaiting her formal release. Her brother James Masih said she 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 destination but both France and Spain have offered asylum.
Who is opposing the court verdict?
All religious parties are now trying to cash in on the issue and joining the Islamists in their campaign. The supporters of Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) led by Khadim Rizvi partially locked-down major cities in protest. Pakistan Sunni Tehreek led by Muhammad Syed Ijaz Qadri also called for a nation-wide strike. He called the protests by Islamists as a “referendum” against the government. Another Islamist leader, Maulana Fazalur Rehman, headof Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam party, has long been accusing Imran Khan as ‘Jewish lobby’ man and indirectly suggested that Imran’s policy encouraged the release of Asia.
How did Asia Bibi get involved in the incident?
In June 2009, Asia Bibi got involved in an argument with a group of Muslim women with whom she had been harvesting berries at a farm - after they objected to a non-Muslim touching the bowl in which she fetched water. She was subsequently accused of insulting Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), a charge she denied, and arrested.
What are government’s options now?
The latest circumstances are challenging for the government as more religious parties are joining hands with Islamists to extend the protests. One of the best options for the government is to urgently allow Asia Bibi to leave the country and then deal with the protesters. Another option is to hold talks with protesters through a council of informed religious leaders to resolve the issue peacefully.
What has the political establishment said?
Opposition lawmakers in parliament called yesterday for reforming the judicial system and Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy law - so that innocents like Bibi wouldn’t spent years languishing in jail. Separately, Minister of State for Interior Sheheryar Afridi told the parliament that there would be “no compromise” on the rule of law and supremacy of law.
How has the Supreme Court reacted to threats of violence?
Saqib Nisar, the Chief Justice of Pakistan, yesterday wondered how the court could punish someone if the charges against them could not be proven. “We are ready to sacrifice ourselves for the Prophet’s (PBUH) honour. But we are not judges only for Muslims,” he said. “If there is no proof against someone, how can we punish them?”