Government, TLP reach agreement; state to take legal measures to place Asia Bibi's name on ECL

[InziRules]

Is forgiving every TLP action the new NRO?

Another promise broken

 

[InziRules]

Btw, Insaafians who are still deluded, putting Asia's name on the ECL is actually illegal. Look at the four conditions that allow a name to be put on ECL

 

[Extra_Cover]

Btw, Insaafians who are still deluded, putting Asia's name on the ECL is actually illegal. Look at the four conditions that allow a name to be put on ECL

I would advise not to speak too soon before anything is 'officially' confirmed. However, looking at the posts already a lot of speculative things have already been said by yourself and other.

At the moment for what 'actual' facts I know I'm saddened by the approach of bowing down to handful of lunatics and would wait for things to unfold as it happens.

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry has said that the Pakistan government's recent agreement with the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) to end days-long countrywide protests was "firefighting, not a cure".

Protests had erupted in several cities after the Supreme Court on Wednesday acquitted Asia Bibi, a Christian woman on death row since 2010 when she was convicted on blasphemy charges. The protests paralysed routine life in major cities, causing severe road blockages in major cities and resulting in severe mobility issues for citizens.

But, despite Prime Minister Imran Khan's stern warning to agitators against challenging the state earlier in the week, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government reached a five-point agreement with Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) late Friday night to end the protests.

In an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on Saturday, Chaudhry said that using force against protesters was not the preferred method for the government to deal with the demonstrations.

"We had two options: either to use force, and when you use force people can be killed. That is not something a state should do... We tried negotiations and (in) negotiations you take something and you leave something," he said.

But Chaudhry defended his government against allegations it was bowing down to extremists. He said his government was committed to coming up with a permanent solution to tackle violent protests in the country.

"We need to take steps against extremism, we need to take steps against such kind of violent protesters and we need to come up with a permanent solution. Right now this is not a cure. This is firefighting, what we are doing. The cure is the real thing and our government is committed to the cure."

He said that the courts would decide whether or not to put Asia Bibi on the Exit Control List (ECL). He said the PTI government would "take all steps necessary" to ensure her safety in Pakistan.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/217153-go...ters-firefighting-not-cure-says-info-minister

 

[MenInG]

LAHORE: Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi and senior leader Afzal Qadri were booked on Saturday on charges of rioting and disrupting peace in various parts of Lahore.

Police said 500 people, including Rizvi and Qadri, have been booked in 11 cases.

The suspects face charges of disrupting peace and blocking roads, police said.

Two cases have also been booked against agitators in Islamabad on charges of destroying property.

Interior ministry assures action against vandals
The Interior Ministry has said action will be taken against elements involved in destroying of properties and harming common citizens.

In a statement, the ministry said it is in the process of identifying such elements and action will be taken against such elements, adding that religious parties have assured the government their supporters were not involved in destruction of property.

Videos and CCTV footage are being analysed to identify individuals involved in vandalism and violence, and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is also reviewing related content on social media for the purpose.

The ministry said that cases have been booked and that arrests will also be carried out.

The TLP wound up sit-ins and protest late last night after it reached an agreement with the government on the matter of Asia Bibi blasphemy case.

During the three-day protest across the country, a number of vehicles and properties were destroyed in protest of the Supreme Court order acquitting Asia Bibi of blasphemy charges. Main intersections and roads were also blocked in major cities, resulting in severe mobility issues for people.

Several mainstream religious parties had also held separate demonstrations in major cities following the Jummah prayers, with thousands of demonstrators converging near government offices in Islamabad.

Mobile services in major cities across Pakistan, apart from Karachi, were also suspended throughout Friday.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/217146-khadim-rizvi-afzal-qadri-among-500-booked-on-rioting-charges

 

[Syed1]

Good decision.... arrest these people.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

There will be a list of countries willing to accept this lady and her family and give her asylum - for example Canada, or perhaps one of the Scandinavian nations. Surely it’s in everyone’s interest for the government of Pakistan to facilitate this? If not you’re essentially keeping her under house arrest for a crime the court said she didn’t commit.

 

[MenInG]

More I think about this agreement, more it becomes evident what a masterstroke this is

1. No bloodshed on the streets, economic activity returns to normal
2. TLP + goons will now face court cases for law and order offences
3. They will need to bring in proper arguments to save themselves from jail sentences
4. No martyrs to mourn
5. World and minorities now see Pakistan where minorities are protected

Game, set + match to IK

 

[slipcatch]

More I think about this agreement, more it becomes evident what a masterstroke this is

1. No bloodshed on the streets, economic activity returns to normal
2. TLP + goons will now face court cases for law and order offences
3. They will need to bring in proper arguments to save themselves from jail sentences
4. No martyrs to mourn
5. World and minorities now see Pakistan where minorities are protected

Game, set + match to IK

Exactly.

Those who were suggesting and promoting violent forces against these ignorant would have made situation worse. It would have been short term solution.

 

[adil_909]

Exactly.

Those who were suggesting and promoting violent forces against these ignorant would have made situation worse. It would have been short term solution.

No, what they are doing here is the short term solution. This is like when you have to study for an exam you don't want to study for so you delay delay delay wait until the last minute before starting, even though you know what has to be done.

However, the fact that so many people in the country can get riled up by this case to the point they shut down the whole nation is shocking. I think that is the most interesting aspect of this case, but not getting enough attention.

 

[Mamoon]

The tragedy is that had Imran did the exact opposite of what he has done here, people would still be praising him and calling it the right decision.

What is right and what is wrong is entirely dependent on what Imran does - if he does it, it is right; if he does not, it is wrong.

If he changes his decision, then the right becomes wrong and vice versa.

He is the one who decides what is right and what is wrong. These are the symptoms of cult mentality.

 

[Something]

More I think about this agreement, more it becomes evident what a masterstroke this is

1. No bloodshed on the streets, economic activity returns to normal
2. TLP + goons will now face court cases for law and order offences
3. They will need to bring in proper arguments to save themselves from jail sentences
4. No martyrs to mourn
5. World and minorities now see Pakistan where minorities are protected

Game, set + match to IK

With all due respect, your post is a bit of a stretch.

How does the world see us as a country that protects its minorities? We've done this time and time again with our minorities. Firstly, with Atif R. Mian and now with Asia Bibi. However, don't take my word for it. Just look at the headlines the world over.

Al Jazeera: Pakistan blasphemy case: Bibi's lawyer flees country amid furore

New York Times: Blasphemy, Pakistan’s New Religion

The News International: Jemima says Pakistan’s govt caves in to extremist demands to bar Asia Bibi from leaving

The Independent: Husband pleads for family asylum in UK after Blasphemy conviction overturned

CNN: Pakistan strikes deal to end protests over Asia Bibi blasphemy case

BBC: Asia Bibi: Lawyer flees Pakistan in fear of his life


The Guardian: Pakistan works to stop Asia Bibi leaving after blasphemy protests

EuroNews: Islamist party in Pakistan prevents Christian woman from fleeing

Breitbart: Anti-Blasphemy Islamic Scholar Stabbed to Death’ amid Asia Bibi Protests

DW: Blasphemy agreement: Is Pakistan ruled by Islamists?

Reuters Canada: Fearing 'angry mob', lawyer of freed Christian woman leaves Pakistan

Arab News: Christian woman’s fate in limbo as Pakistan reaches deal with ‘extremists’

Channel News Asia: Pakistani Christian woman in limbo despite acquittal by top court

The Straits Times: Husband of Pakistan blasphemy case woman calls for her protection

The Print: Pakistan caves in to hardliners, says Asia Bibi won’t be allowed to leave country


So, I ask how you came to the conclusion that the world see's as a country that protects its minorities?

Secondly, we've agreed to review the decision. Now, two things can come out of this. Firstly, she is found guilty or secondly, she is acquitted again. If she is acquitted again what is stopping these people from coming out on the streets once more (after another round of suffering and enduring trips to the court and expenses borne by Asia) and if she is found guilty because of the pressure by TLP, how is that fair?

 

[Slog]

I dont think it is a surrender to these forces.

They arent given a clean chit like previous occassions

 

[hussain.r97]

More I think about this agreement, more it becomes evident what a masterstroke this is

1. No bloodshed on the streets, economic activity returns to normal
2. TLP + goons will now face court cases for law and order offences
3. They will need to bring in proper arguments to save themselves from jail sentences
4. No martyrs to mourn
5. World and minorities now see Pakistan where minorities are protected

Game, set + match to IK

Originally, I was against the deal signed with TLP. But now that the dust has settled, it doesn't seem like it was such a bad idea after all. The TLP group didn't achieve their objective in the end, and the government actually gained a lot more than they lost. While in principle, deals shouldn't be signed with parties like TLP as it gives them a level of legitimacy, this is a good compromise for now. The question now is that what steps will the government take to clamp down on these goons and prevent this from turning into a regular occurance?

 

[shaaik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Last week the Pakistan Army airlifted to safety 67 British Sikhs on a pilgrimage in Pakistan. They’d been stranded at a service station by the protests. Fantastic response from the Pakistani authorities. All the pilgrims left the country safely. Thank you. <a href="https://t.co/zBGoJs8atb">pic.twitter.com/zBGoJs8atb</a></p>— Thomas Drew (@TomDrewUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomDrewUK/status/1059739463075663872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

THE HAGUE: The lawyer, who saved Aasia Bibi convicted of blasphemy from death row, disclosed on Monday that the UN and EU made him leave the country “against my wishes” because his life was at risk.

Saiful Mulook, who has fled to the Netherlands, said he contacted a United Nations official in Islamabad after violence erupted following the Supreme Court’s acquittal of Aasia Bibi on Wednesday.

“And then they (the UN) and the European nation ambassadors in Islamabad, they kept me for three days and then put me on a plane against my wishes,” the lawyer told a press conference in The Hague.

“I pressed them that I would not leave the country unless I get Aasia out of the prison... I am not happy to be here without her, but everybody said that you are the prime target at the moment and the whole world is taking care of Aasia Bibi.

“They were of the view that I was the prime target to be killed, and that my life was in imminent danger. For three days they did not let me open the door, one day I called the French ambassador and said I do not want to be here.” The lawyer had previously said before his departure on Saturday that he was leaving because “in the current scenario, it’s not possible for me to live in Pakistan”.

Mr Mulook arrived in The Hague at the weekend after a short stopover in Rome, with the help of the HVC Foundation, a Dutch group that focuses on the human rights of Christian minorities.

The government struck a deal with the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) group after its supporters blocked main roads in major Pakistani cities in protest against the court judgement.

Mr Mulook dismissed the deal as a “face-saving” exercise for the TLP and insisted that Aasia would “100 per cent” be freed soon.

“This compromise is nothing but a piece of paper that can be thrown in the dustbin,” he said.

It was not clear whether Aasia had had any firm offers of asylum if she left Pakistan, added the lawyer, who said he was “legally authorised” to choose a country for her.

The lawyer said a UN official in Pakistan told him “we are taking care of her” but that “when I said which country, they said we can’t say.

“I asked the French ambassador `would your country be willing to offer asylum to Aasia Bibi. He said if you request us legally, I said ‘OK I request her’.”

https://www.dawn.com/news/1443852/aasia-lawyer-holds-eu-un-responsible-for-his-pakistan-exit

 

[saadibaba]

There is no way out of it....TLP and the like will have to be taught a firm lesson sooner rather than later. Bloodshed avoided now will not necessarily equate to bloodshed avoided later. Either you deal with these folks properly or be prepared to get harassed every few months. IK should have stuck to his guns when he came out on national TV with his bold speech. People who are now praising the decision to negotiate are not seeing the long term picture here. TLP and the like only understand the language of "danda".

Also, lets not forget who was distributing money among the TLP folks protesting on the streets and arranging generators for them when the electricity was cut-off. Their is video evidence if anyone cares to google it. Once again, the deep state used non-state actors for their own benefit. Now since the new govt. has full support of the Army, the attitude was firmer. Still, once these goons get the taste of blood, its had to control their appetites. We have learned this time and again, whether its the Laal Masjid folks or one of those Kashmiri or Afghani militant groups. You play with fire long enough and you will get burned. When will we learn.

 

[Extra_Cover]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Last week the Pakistan Army airlifted to safety 67 British Sikhs on a pilgrimage in Pakistan. They’d been stranded at a service station by the protests. Fantastic response from the Pakistani authorities. All the pilgrims left the country safely. Thank you. <a href="https://t.co/zBGoJs8atb">pic.twitter.com/zBGoJs8atb</a></p>— Thomas Drew (@TomDrewUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomDrewUK/status/1059739463075663872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

No one is even going to talk about this, you know why because this is a positive news. In Pakistan the only bit of news that gathers attention is negative news. Our public is happy to watch hours of talkshows promoting negativity and if there is indeed a positive news it is conveniently ignored. Just look at the number of likes and shares the above post got and compare that to any negative news.

I still stick to what I said earlier that Govt should not have bowed in front of the protestors. But on the other side I'm happy too that there is no model town situation or Faizabad situation recreated here.

 

[from_da_lost_dim3nsion]

My opinion is that putting her name on ECL is not a bad thing. Consider if she leaves the country, foreign elements would use her against Pakistan. I can imagine her being on CNN, BBC, every other show, Times magazine, noble peace prize candidate etc. She would be an anti pakistan machine just how Malala and her father have turned out to be.

For me Pakistan comes first, then comes freedom of speech, then comes everything else.

I think agencies share teh same opinion , hence the agreement .TLP is nothing but an agency puppet .The sooner us pakistanis realize it the better.They learned heir lesson with mukhtra mai and malala. They are not gonna let anther one out .Once things simmer down a little , she will be given a green signal .

 

[cricketjoshila]

Whats the present situation? Is ahe still in jail?

 

[DeadBall]

No one is even going to talk about this, you know why because this is a positive news. In Pakistan the only bit of news that gathers attention is negative news. Our public is happy to watch hours of talkshows promoting negativity and if there is indeed a positive news it is conveniently ignored. Just look at the number of likes and shares the above post got and compare that to any negative news.

I still stick to what I said earlier that Govt should not have bowed in front of the protestors. But on the other side I'm happy too that there is no model town situation or Faizabad situation recreated here.

Good news doesn't sell. Keeping on repeating goom and doom scenario, that the world is on fire, creating mass hysteria, is what keeps the people hooked and is much more profitable.

 

[MenInG]

SLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi on Wednesday 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) until she is proven guilty.

During an interview with the Voice of America, the minister of state for interior while speaking about the recent country-wide protests following the top court verdict acquitting Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death on blasphemy charges, said, “Among the protesters there was a group of people who were damaging property for their own personal gains and agenda.”

The minister of state for interior said the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) leaders, who the government signed an agreement with to end the demonstrations, refused that the miscreants were party members. “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.

Regarding the arrests of rioters, Afridi said, “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.


TLP ends countrywide protest after agreement with government

The Supreme Court on October 31 acquitted Bibi after blasphemy charges could not be proven against her and ordered her immediate release.

Following the verdict, protests had erupted in several cities across the country and property was damaged and vehicles set on fire in some places. The demonstrations saw closure of schools, colleges and universities, as well as cancellation of examinations.

The government and the protesters from different religious groups, led by TLP, reached an agreement two days later on Friday, November 2. As per the agreement, the government will raise no objections over the review petition over Bibi's acquittal. The agreement further stated that due process will be followed immediately to include the name of Asia Bibi in ECL.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/217580-as...ed-on-ecl-until-proven-guilty-shehryar-afridi

 

[UP]

There are some reports that she has been released from prison.

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BBC's Shehzad Malik confirms that Asia Bibi has flown out of Pakistan and is traveling to Netherlands along with her family members. <a href="https://t.co/qDvf4GgMHm">https://t.co/qDvf4GgMHm</a></p>— Abid Hussain (@abidhussayn) <a href="https://twitter.com/abidhussayn/status/1060278669678182405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[UP]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BBC's Shehzad Malik confirms that Asia Bibi has flown out of Pakistan and is traveling to Netherlands along with her family members. <a href="https://t.co/qDvf4GgMHm">https://t.co/qDvf4GgMHm</a></p>— Abid Hussain (@abidhussayn) <a href="https://twitter.com/abidhussayn/status/1060278669678182405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Thank god. So happy for her.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Looks like the government did really well - managed to stop the protests and got Bibi out of the country to safety.

 

[ahsan17]

This is good, but expect TLP thugs to be on the streets shortly. Hopefully the state has a plan on how to deal with them.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Good for her and her family.

Hopefully now she will enjoy life and not come back into the limelight talking down on Pakistan.

 

[saeedhk]

Good for her and her family.

Hopefully now she will enjoy life and not come back into the limelight talking down on Pakistan.

If she does talk down Pakistan, it would be fully justified given what she had to endure for the last 8 years. It will not be a conspiracy to defame Pakistan if speaks out for the rights of minorities in Pakistan.

Pakistan is the worst country for minorities. Not everyone is after limelight and not everything is a conspiracy.

 

[slipcatch]

Sad to see that minority and distortion of religion are being used by radicalized religious extremists to promote their politics.

Happy to see that she is finally freed.

Unhappy and furious that Pakistan haven’t done enough to protect its minority.

Must give government credit the way they have handled this situation.

 

[KingKhanWC]

If she does talk down Pakistan, it would be fully justified given what she had to endure for the last 8 years. It will not be a conspiracy to defame Pakistan if speaks out for the rights of minorities in Pakistan.

Pakistan is the worst country for minorities. Not everyone is after limelight and not everything is a conspiracy.

I;ve read this a few times but never has anyone given any evidence. You do realise it's a big world out there and one case doesn't merit such an accusation, unless you have countless others to share?

The reason I wrote hopefully she wont use her refugee status in Holland to talk down against Pakistan as it will only cause further issues for the country which eventually did aquit her and surely after so much you'd want to lay low and enjoy your life?

 

[sjahmed23]

So she was released now what is going to happen with tlp goons

 

[Zaz]

Good to hear she’s got out safely away from the blood thirsty jahils

Now heres hoping if there’s any more commotion the TLP and their chamchas this time will be dealt with firmly

 

[waqar goraya]

So, she is out of the country. A good news for her.

But I am nervously waiting for the religious extremists reaction to her departure from Pakistan. Things could again get very ugly.

I hope the administration, intelligence and government has prepared for any lawlessness this time around.

Thousands of fanatics might get out again by tomorrow evening.

 

[kingusama92]

Good news.

I'd imagine TLP will be back to their shenanigans again.

 

[Hamad_H]

I think the break between her flying out and the protests was used to anticipate and plan for possible disruptions that will arise after her departure. Hopefully the govt. have an effective plan.

 

[waqar goraya]

It's not only TLP. Yes, they are at the forefront of blocking roads but almost all other major religious forces have joined hands. JI, JUI and most others might also be out on the streets.

Particularly after Friday sermons things could get very bad.

 

[waqar goraya]

She has been freed from jail. This is verified from official sources but her departure for Netherlands is not yet confirmed.

 

[MenInG]

RAWALPINDI: After her release from Multan’s women prison in the light of the Oct 31 Supreme Court verdict overturning her conviction and death sentence, Aasia Bibi was brought to Islamabad onboard a special aircraft on Wednesday night, Dawn learnt through reliable sources.

The aircraft carrying Aasia Bibi, whose acquittal of blasphemy charge sparked countrywide protests by religious parties and groups, landed at the old Benazir Bhutto International Airport of Islamabad adjacent to Nur Khan Air Base.

Soon after her landing, she was taken to an undisclosed place in Islamabad amid tight security. The authorities were keeping her movement and whereabouts secret for security reasons.

Authorities concerned were also tightlipped about her future plan and it was unclear if she would be kept in Islamabad or would be allowed to fly out of the country.

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER AD
On Tuesday, Italy stated it would help Aasia leave Pakistan because her life was in danger in the country following charges of blasphemy that put her on death row for eight years.

Her husband Ashiq Masih has reportedly stated that they could be killed by those opposing her acquittal. The authorities previously said they may bar the Christian woman from travelling abroad as a review petition against her acquittal had already been filed.

Earlier, the international Catholic agency Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) had quoted Ashiq Masih as saying in a telephone call: “I appeal to the Italian government to help me and my family leave Pakistan. We are extremely worried because our lives are in danger. We don’t even have enough to eat because we can’t go out to buy food.”

Aasia’s case has prompted groups such as ACN, which has close ties to the Vatican, to demand protection for Christians in countries where they are a minority.

Soon after the Supreme Court’s verdict, the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) blocked roads in major cities of the country for three days, condemning the judges who had acquitted Aasia Bibi, the prime minister and the army chief.

The TLP called off the protests after striking a deal with the government under which it could bar Aasia from leaving the country.

Aasia’s lawyer Saiful Mulook fled to the Netherlands a couple of days ago because of fears for his safety.

In a message sent to AFP soon after she was freed, Mr Mulook said: “I have been told that she is on a plane but nobody knows where she will land.”

https://www.dawn.com/news/1444331/aasia-bibi-freed-from-multan-jail-flown-to-islamabad

 

[MenInG]

RAWALPINDI: After her release from Multan’s women prison in the light of the Oct 31 Supreme Court verdict overturning her conviction and death sentence, Aasia Bibi was brought to Islamabad onboard a special aircraft on Wednesday night, Dawn learnt through reliable sources.

The aircraft carrying Aasia Bibi, whose acquittal of blasphemy charge sparked countrywide protests by religious parties and groups, landed at the old Benazir Bhutto International Airport of Islamabad adjacent to Nur Khan Air Base.

Soon after her landing, she was taken to an undisclosed place in Islamabad amid tight security. The authorities were keeping her movement and whereabouts secret for security reasons.

Authorities concerned were also tightlipped about her future plan and it was unclear if she would be kept in Islamabad or would be allowed to fly out of the country.

On Tuesday, Italy stated it would help Aasia leave Pakistan because her life was in danger in the country following charges of blasphemy that put her on death row for eight years.

Her husband Ashiq Masih has reportedly stated that they could be killed by those opposing her acquittal. The authorities previously said they may bar the Christian woman from travelling abroad as a review petition against her acquittal had already been filed.

Earlier, the international Catholic agency Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) had quoted Ashiq Masih as saying in a telephone call: “I appeal to the Italian government to help me and my family leave Pakistan. We are extremely worried because our lives are in danger. We don’t even have enough to eat because we can’t go out to buy food.”

Aasia’s case has prompted groups such as ACN, which has close ties to the Vatican, to demand protection for Christians in countries where they are a minority.

Soon after the Supreme Court’s verdict, the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) blocked roads in major cities of the country for three days, condemning the judges who had acquitted Aasia Bibi, the prime minister and the army chief.

The TLP called off the protests after striking a deal with the government under which it could bar Aasia from leaving the country.

Aasia’s lawyer Saiful Mulook fled to the Netherlands a couple of days ago because of fears for his safety.

In a message sent to AFP soon after she was freed, Mr Mulook said: “I have been told that she is on a plane but nobody knows where she will land.”

https://www.dawn.com/news/1444331/aasia-bibi-freed-from-multan-jail-flown-to-islamabad

 

[MenInG]

Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal on Thursday denied reports that Aasia Bibi had left Pakistan, saying the recently acquitted Christian woman was still in the country.

"There is no truth in reports of her leaving the country — it is fake news," Dr Faisal told DawnNewsTV. Aasia Bibi was released from Multan jail last night — more than 10 days after the Supreme Court overturned her conviction and death sentence.

Shortly after the FO's clarification, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry called out the "irresponsible" behaviour of some media outlets for running the news of Aasia Bibi allegedly leaving the country without "confirmation".

"It has become a norm to publish fake news for sake of headlines," Chaudhry said on Twitter. "#AsiaBibi case is sensitive issue; it was extremely irresponsible to publish news of her leaving the country without confirmation. I strongly urge section of media to act responsible."

The statements by FO and Chaudhry come on the heels of news reports from a day earlier which stated that Aasia Bibi had left Multan’s women prison and was being flown to an "unknown destination". This particular quote, attributed to Aasia Bibi's lawyer Saiful Malook, led to speculation that she had left the country.

However, reliable sources on Wednesday night had confirmed to Dawn that Aasia Bibi was brought to Islamabad onboard a special aircraft.

The aircraft carrying Aasia Bibi landed at the old Benazir Bhutto International Airport of Islamabad adjacent to Nur Khan Air Base, said sources. From there, she was taken to an undisclosed place in Islamabad amid tight security. The authorities are keeping her movement and whereabouts secret for security reasons.

Aasia Bibi's acquittal had sparked countrywide protests by religious parties and groups. The Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) is expected to hold a 'million march' in Karachi against the Supreme Court's verdict today.

Concern for Aasia's safety

On Tuesday, Italy stated it would help Aasia leave Pakistan because her life was in danger in the country following charges of blasphemy that put her on death row for eight years.

Her husband Ashiq Masih has reportedly stated that they could be killed by those opposing her acquittal.

Earlier, the international Catholic agency Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) had quoted Ashiq Masih as saying in a telephone call: “I appeal to the Italian government to help me and my family leave Pakistan. We are extremely worried because our lives are in danger. We don’t even have enough to eat because we can’t go out to buy food.”

Aasia’s case has prompted groups such as ACN, which has close ties to the Vatican, to demand protection for Christians in countries where they are a minority.

Protests following acquittal

Soon after the Supreme Court’s verdict, the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) blocked roads in major cities of the country for three days, condemning the judges who had acquitted Aasia Bibi, the prime minister and the army chief.

The TLP had called off the protests after striking a deal with the government. Under the five-point agreement, the government said it would not object to the review petition filed against the acquittal of the Christian woman and would "initiate a legal process" to place her name on the Exit Control List.

Read: TLP ends protest after deal with government

The agreement was signed by Minister for Religious Affairs Sahibzada Dr Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, Punjab Law Minister Basharat Raja, TLP patron-in-chief Pir Afzal Qadri and its central Nazim-i-Aala Waheed Anwar.

On Tuesday, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar took suo motu notice of the lossescaused by the riots that broke out during the protests.

The CJP directed the federal and the provincial governments to submit reports within three days on the losses and steps taken to compensate victims of these riots.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1444349/no-truth-in-reports-of-aasia-bibi-leaving-pakistan-foreign-office

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BBC's Shehzad Malik confirms that Asia Bibi has flown out of Pakistan and is traveling to Netherlands along with her family members. <a href="https://t.co/qDvf4GgMHm">https://t.co/qDvf4GgMHm</a></p>— Abid Hussain (@abidhussayn) <a href="https://twitter.com/abidhussayn/status/1060278669678182405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It has become a norm to publish fake news for sake of headlines, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsiaBibi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsiaBibi</a> case is sensitive issue it was extremely irresponsible to publish news of her leaving the country without confirmation, I strongly urge section of media to act responsible</p>— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) <a href="https://twitter.com/fawadchaudhry/status/1060403881728008192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[aukhan]

PTI caught lying again? If true than they deserve the backlash mullahs will give them for this.

 

[Zeeraq]

LHC to hear treason case against Khadim Rizvi, Fazlur Rehman on Nov 12

The Lahore High Court on Friday accepted an application for hearing in which the petitioner has asked for the initiation of treason proceedings against Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi and the chief of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, over charges of issuing anti-state statements and inciting people to violence.

Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, while accepting the petition, filed by Advocate Syed Mohammad on behalf of Shabeerullah, has set the case for hearing on November 12 (Monday).

In his application, the petitioner has argued that Rizvi and Rehman criticised the apex court’s judgement in the Aisa Bibi case, issued anti-state and anti-military statements and incited people to violence and should thus be prosecuted under the law.

Following their statements, the country was held hostage for three days which was tantamount to “making an attempt to suspend the Constitution”, the petitioner has pleaded.

Earlier on Thursday, a sessions court in Lahore had fixed for hearing a petition against police officials for their failure to register a case against Khadim Rizvi, Tehreek-i-Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLYRA) head Ashraf Jalali and others for threatening the top judiciary and inciting the armed forces to stage a mutiny in the aftermath of Aasia Bibi's acquittal.

Filed by citizen Abdullah Malik, the petition stated that the station house officer (SHO) of Civil Lines police station in Lahore had failed to file a first information report (FIR) against the aforementioned individuals.

"The local police is reluctant to take action against the accused [due to] their presence in the ruling class and having direct contacts with the police and others," the petitioner had said.

A copy of the application to lodge an FIR, dated November 1 and addressed to the Civil Lines SHO, notes that TLP leaders had threatened the judges of the Supreme Court, passed an edict to murder the country's Constitutional prime minister and incited their party workers to spark riots.

The petitioner has asked the court to pass orders to ensure legal action is taken against TLP leaders as well as police officials if the latter are reluctant to register a criminal case against the former.

Additional Sessions Judge Mohammad Ahmed Khan Kharal accepted the petition today and directed Civil Lines SHO to furnish his report on November 14.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1444573/l...-against-khadim-rizvi-fazlur-rehman-on-nov-12

 

[gkb101277867]

Well? Has she been released or not?

 

[Ummii]

I've supported PTI 30% But now I realized that they can't even handle a little pressure. Imran khan told that their Govt would have been ended if they ever try to use power against those protesters. So what's the point of being in Govt if you really think that you can't face any pressure, you can tackle these bunch of illiterates. They are just " munh k fire "

 

[gazza619]

I've supported PTI 30% But now I realized that they can't even handle a little pressure. Imran khan told that their Govt would have been ended if they ever try to use power against those protesters. So what's the point of being in Govt if you really think that you can't face any pressure, you can tackle these bunch of illiterates. They are just " munh k fire "

They have been dealt with. Thousands have been arrested. The government played a game when they were on street faking a deal.
You have to deal with these goons in a different way. No bloodshed and no lifes lost.
End result = A win

 

[Slog]

I've supported PTI 30% But now I realized that they can't even handle a little pressure. Imran khan told that their Govt would have been ended if they ever try to use power against those protesters. So what's the point of being in Govt if you really think that you can't face any pressure, you can tackle these bunch of illiterates. They are just " munh k fire "

Yea the miscreants are being arrested and put in jail now.

In pml-N’s time they were given 1000rs each as compensation and let go with no charges.

At least do some research before putting out misinformed comments which just show your ignorance and hate

This is the first time that mullahs who caused havoc are being punished to some extent. Nothing like this happened before be it Sharif or Zardari time. Heck even Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto have them clean chits and accepted their demand whenever they caused havoc