ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The federal government has denied agreeing to protesters’ demand, saying that it has nothing to do with the review petition filed against Asia Bibi’s acquittal in Blasphemy Case and placing her name on Exit Control List (ECL).
Some correction to clear media confusion: A protestor has filed a Review Petition in SC & in that demanded Asiya BB’s name be put on ECL – Govt has nothing to do with both these moves. Review Petition and it’s prayers are between SC and petitioner. PM’s position has been clear.
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 1, 2018
We have also taken both PPP and PMLN into confidence on developments and will keep them posted on developments. https://t.co/vYyohbuUxN
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 1, 2018
Meanwhile, Qari Muhammad Salaam, who was the petitioner in Blasphemy Case against Asia Bibi, filed the review petition at the Supreme Court Lahore Registry against the judgement and for putting her name on the ECL.
In a twitter message, the Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said that review petition is a legal right exercised by an individual. However, he maintained that protests instead of a legal course are unacceptable.
“No one can take law into hands and govt shall ensure writ of the state as Expressed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan,” he said.
نظرثانی ایک آئینی راستہ ہے جو متاثرہ فریق کا حق ہے، تاہم توڑ پھوڑ، ھنگامہ آرائ اور دھمکیاں ناقابل قبول ہیں اور وزیر اعظم کے اعلان کے مطابق ایسے عناصر سے سختی سے نبٹا جائیگا۔ پاکستان ایک ایٹمی طاقت ہے اداروں کی استطاعت اور صلاحیت کے بارے میں غلط فہمی دور کر لیں ورنہ پچھتائیں گے
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) November 1, 2018
Separately, the Spokesman of the Punjab government Fayyaz ul Hassan Chohan claimed that matters have to a great extend been brought under control, and expressed hope that sit-ins would end tonight.
Fayyaz ul Hassan Chohan said that the federal as well as the Punjab government had been negotiating with Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protesters since 36 hours. He said that five rounds of negotiations took place.
The Spokesman said that it’s been their endeavors not to let Pakistan become a banana state. He said that Asia Bibi’s acquittal was a Supreme Court’s decision, and it would be taken into its logical end through the Court.
