News Desk |
In a major development, Supreme Court of Pakistan announced its much-awaited verdict in Asia Bibi’s case on Wednesday, October 31, acquitting her of charges and ordering her immediate release.
Asia Bibi, a Christian woman, was accused of committing blasphemy in 2009. A trial court had found her guilty of the crime and awarded her death punishment. The Lahore High Court upheld the death sentence. As a last resort, Asia Bibi approached the Supreme Court of Pakistan to repeal her death sentence.
However, JUI-F strongly opposed the recommendations and called them an attempt to change the blasphemy laws to ‘please the foreign masters’.
An immediate and strong reaction has been seen on roads as well as on social media platform. On the call of their leader Khadim Rizvi, TLP followers besieged all main points of metropolitans, including Capital City. Life has been paralyzed and traffic suspended as the mob in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad have staged the sit-in.
Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has announced that it will hold countrywide protests on Friday against the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Asia Bibi case. Jamaat-i-Ahle Hadees, a religious party has also called for demonstrations against apex court’s verdict.
On the other hand, social media users called it the victory of the justice system in Pakistan. Politicians, analysts, and celebrities either came forward supporting the decision or given the sensitivity of the issue, preferred to not comment on the verdict.
Read more: SC acquits Asia Bibi & orders immediate release
People’s party leadership applauded the decision of the Supreme Court and urged the government to take measures for the security situation across the country.
Landmark judgement by Supreme Court to acquit #AasiaBibi today.False accusers took half her life away. Now the state must protect all those who stand for the rule of law and justice.We have all been witness to the havoc mobs have wreaked to red lines before.That line must be held
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) October 31, 2018
It is pertinent to mention that Salman Taseer, leader of Pakistan People’s Party was gunned down by his own guard for supporting Asia Bibi.
Aasia Bibi acquitted by SC. Most laudable, most welcome. Salute to honble judges who, refusing to be cowed down, have lit a candle in darkness and raised hopes in hopelessness. Also spare a thought for Salman Taseer who raised voice for her and paid with his life for it.
— Farhatullah Babar (@FarhatullahB) October 31, 2018
Gratitude 🙏🏼 #AasiaBibiVerdict
— Sara Taseer (@sarataseer) October 31, 2018
Analysts mostly reported on the worsening situation resulted due to the protest. They showed concern over the protection of Asia Bibi and her family.
May Asia Bibi be blessed with Allah’s Insaaf & Mercy…..
In the Holy Qur'an, in Sura Al-Anbiya, Verse 108, Allah the Exalted says to the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa:
“And we have not sent you save as a mercy for all peoples.” https://t.co/s1yN8j85UF
— Nasim Zehra (@NasimZehra) October 30, 2018
Not a lot them openly supported the decision but a few did.
Kudos to #SupremeCourt #Pakistan.justice prevailed #AasiaBibi
— Asma Shirazi (@asmashirazi) October 31, 2018
Journalism shouldn’t miss historic opportunities on historic occasions… History is remembered.. don’t show violent protests or release extremists’ fatwas which incite violence but don’t blackout the coverage of SC landmark decision of acquitting #AasiaBibi of blasphemy charges
— Owais Tohid (@OwaisTohid) October 31, 2018
After a long time Pakistan has seen a historic moment – #AasiaBibi acquitted in the false blasphemy case. CONGRATULATIONS PAKISTAN! As far as Khadim Rizvi is concerned he should have been put under house arrest for a while for threatening to sabotage the peace in country.
— Shiffa Z. Yousafzai (@Shiffa_ZY) October 31, 2018
Aasia bibi
Thank you, Supreme Court of PakistanThis is unprecedented.
This is a Pakistan that is for all.God bless
— Mehr Tarar (@MehrTarar) October 31, 2018
Justice prevailed, Aasia Bibi acquitted by Supreme Court, #AasiaBibi and her family has suffered many years for false allegations of blasphemy. pic.twitter.com/Pgdmay6sjx
— Dr. Nazia Memon (@NaziaMemon01) October 31, 2018
Celebrities and civil society members embraced the decision as a great achievement.
May we always be ruled by the law of humanity. Pakistan Zindabad #AasiaBibi
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) October 31, 2018
May sanity prevails. May no human be executed for the agenda of a bunch of liars. #AasiaBibi
— Nazrana Yousufzai (@Nazranausufzai) October 30, 2018
Wow!! Best news I have heard in ages! Aasia Bibi released. Pakistan Zindabad! Allah o Akbar! #AasiaBibi
— Kashif Chaudhry (@KashifMD) October 31, 2018
The Senate human rights committee in March this year had recommended that anyone falsely accusing a person of blasphemy should be awarded a similar punishment prescribed for a convict of blasphemy. However, JUI-F strongly opposed the recommendations and called them an attempt to change the blasphemy laws to ‘please the foreign masters’.
Curbing the extremist approach of these parties without hurting the followers seem a tough task for the government and law enforcement agencies.
During recent years with the emergence of social media, the number of blasphemy cases has shockingly increased. Horrendous incidents involving blasphemy allegation– like the lynching of Mashal Khan, a student of Abdul Wali Khan, killing of Shahzad Masih and Shama Bibi, a Christian couple burnt alive in Kiln in Kot Radha Kishan, mob attacking the Joseph Colony in Badami Bagh Lahore and many more– have shaken the society.
Some analysts believe it is more about setting personal vendettas in disguise of Blasphemy, some opine–given the SES (Socioeconomic Status) of people involved in such incidents, this frustration and extremism are the result of the strong divide in society when it comes to law and justice and basic human rights.
Read more: Asia Bibi case: Opportunist Khadim Rizvi threatens judiciary, NGOs and the…
However, this aspect can’t be denied that certain religiopolitical parties only work on religious sentiments of people and never let go of exploiting the opportunity whenever they see one. Curbing the extremist approach of these parties without hurting the followers seems a tough task for the government and law enforcement agencies.