Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi on Wednesday (Nov 7), while speaking about recent country-wide protest following Supreme Court’s verdict of Asia Bibi’s acquittal, once again assured that the federal government will uphold the Supreme Court’s verdict and not place Asia Bibi’s name on the Exit Control List (ECL) without any solid evidence.
During an interview with the Voice of America, the minister said, “Among the protesters there was a group of people who were damaging property for their own personal gains and agenda.”
The minister said “When we informed the TLP leaders of the miscreants and showed them footage, they refused to accept that those rioters belonged to the party,” he added. “Those arrested will be treated in a legal manner. I assure you there will no compromise on the supremacy of law.” “It is the prime minister and other officials’ clear stance that there will be no compromise if anyone breaks or challenges the law,” he asserted.
Speaking about the agreement which stated that “due process will be followed immediately to include the name of Asia Bibi in ECL”, Afridi said, “The government will uphold whatever the Supreme Court decides.” “If someone cannot be proven guilty then how can we place their name on ECL? There can be no question about that,” the minister of state for interior upheld.
He further said, “All Pakistanis no matter which religion or school of thought they belong to are the responsibility of the state. No one can be given the license to play with lives or property.” “Asia Bibi and her family is in Pakistan and they are being given security by the government,” he added.
The Supreme Court on October 31acquitted Asia Bibi, who allegedly involved in blasphemy charges. Countrywide protests were erupted following Supreme Court’s verdict of Asia Bibi’s immediate release.
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22 August, 2019
