Lahore (Staff Report): The All Pakistan Private Schools Association (APPSA) on Wednesday announced that educational institutions across the country will remain closed till Nov 3rd (Saturday).
A statement released by the Private Schools Association stated that due to the deteriorating situation in the capital city of Punjab and the leading arteries being blocked, the students would not be able to reach schools.
The association also called on the Sindh Education Department to announce the closure of schools.
The decision to close the schools comes as protests are taking place in several cities of Pakistan against the acquittal of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman, nine years after she was accused of blasphemy.
Earlier the day, 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.
Countrywide protest erupted in the wake of acquittal of Aasia Bibi by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in a blasphemy case.
Countrywide protest erupted in the wake of acquittal of Aasia Bibi.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan, while addressing to the nation on Wednesday, 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,” he said.