ISLAMABAD – Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi on Wednesday said that the government will not put the name of Asia Bibi, who was recently acquitted of blasphemy charges until she is proven guilty in the case.
During an interview with the Voice of America, the minister while talking about the recent protests held by the religious parties against the acquittal of Bibi said that the verdict announced by the Supreme Court in the case will be upheld by the government.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/govt-tlp-protesters-reach-agreement-to-end-countrywide-sit-ins/
Speaking about the agreement between the government and TLP which stated that “due process will be followed immediately to place the name of Asia Bibi on ECL”, Afridi said: “If someone cannot be proven guilty then how can we place their name on ECL? There can be no question about that”.
He went on to say, “Among the protesters, there was a group of people who were damaging property for their own personal gains and agenda.” The minister added that the leaders of religious groups had distanced them from the rioters.
Afridi said that several rioters were arrested in a crackdown, adding that those arrested will face the full weight of law. “There will be no compromise on the supremacy of law”
“Asia Bibi and her family is in Pakistan and they are being given security by the government,” he added.
On Oct 31, the apex court overturned the death sentence of Asia Bibi and ordered to immediately released her.
Following the verdict, the religious parties took to the street, causing violence, closure of schools and markets.
The violent protests ended after Negotiations between the government and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) have reached an agreement.
