LAHORE – A fresh wave of protests by Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan has engulfed various cities of the country after the Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned the death sentence of a Christian woman, Asia Bibi, convicted of blasphemy.
A three-judge special bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and comprising Justice Asif Saeed Khosa and Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel announcing the verdict earlier today ordered the immediate release of the woman, who has been in solitary confinement for past eight years.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/sc-to-announce-verdict-on-asia-bibis-appeal-against-execution-today/
The apex court ruling has already set off protests by the TLP, which had earlier this month warned to take to the streets if the convict was freed by the apex court.
In Lahore, TLP chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi is leading the protest rally at Mall Road in front of the Punjab Assembly, causing massive traffic jams on all connected roads.
https://twitter.com/Arsalanet/status/1057524611573780480?fbclid=IwAR1QLMq7EHTAajqHJV8v0bnA1zFfjEOnnjJA2c-jjGaxHp9JS-qeuwMnDCA
https://twitter.com/RozMalikPPP/status/1057513807285809153?fbclid=IwAR17GBoOf6ZfJpTvRd1-KFRUqIBSOBx_NmgWwAYR059ZMNDltWz_ces0HqE
Videos circulating on social media show the followers of the party have also blocked major roads, including Ferozpur Road, Azadi Chowk and others by placing buses.
https://twitter.com/Daikh_Yar/status/1057504116749094912?fbclid=IwAR0DUQuRIKAiD1PRcZQZj_HStDDNLyIuXxn3M6VFmvcgcCv18muTOXG9YiE
In Karachi, the protests are also getting momentum where the workers of the religious party have blocked roads and are burning tyres. Heaving contingent has been deployed in different areas to prevent any untoward incident.
https://twitter.com/khalid_pk/status/1057500512348790785
The situation in the twin cities is not much different as the agitators have taken to Faizabad area, where the TLP last year staged a successful sit-in, to protest against the verdict.
https://twitter.com/TalatHussain12/status/1057499522916597760
The protests in Punjab are being held by religious leaders despite the imposition of Section 144 in the province by the government.
In Islamabad, Red Zone has been sealed due to security concerns. The road from Rawal Dam roundabout to Red Zone has also been blocked by placing containers.
