Islamabad (Staff Report): Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday formed a committee to hold talks with protesters to who have brought routine life to a standstill in various parts of the country following a Supreme Court verdict acquitting Asia Bibi.
While, chairing an emergency meeting of the federal cabinet, the premier accorded approval for holding talks with the protesters.
Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Minister of State for Interior Sheheryar Afridi have been included in the committee.
Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Minister Noorul Qadri and Minister for National Food Security and Research Sahibzada Mohammad Mehboob Sultan will also be a part of the committee while the premier himself would supervise the process.
On Wednesday, the top court acquitted Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death over blasphemy allegations, and ordered her immediate release.
A three-member special bench of the SC headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and comprising Justice Asif Saeed Khosa and Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel heard Bibi's 2014 appeal against her conviction and death sentence under section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
The bench ordered to immediately release Asia if there is no anymore case against her. She had been imprisoned for past nine years. The 56-page detailed judgement was authored by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and included a concurrent opinion by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, while addressing to the nation on Wednesday evening, fully backed the Supreme Court's verdict in Asia Bibi case, saying whoever is found involved in bringing the life at a standstill will be dealt with as per the law of the land.
He criticised the language used by a "small segment" in reaction to the verdict.
"The kind of language used today — that the judges are wajib-ul-qatl... and the narrative that there should be opposition against the judiciary... It is my belief that the principles on which Pakistan was founded, if they are not adhered to Pakistan has no future."
“Our faith as a Muslim is incomplete without our faith and love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH),” PM Imran said.
“I also appeal to the masses to not hear to such people or elements, and stay calm and peaceful.”
