Asia Bibi entitled to all constitutional rights: PM Khan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has reaffirmed the government’s resolve to respect the judgment of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in Asia Bibi case, and said as citizens of Pakistan, the woman and her family are entitled to all rights as guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan, ARY News reported.

Talking to President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani who telephoned him, PM Khan stressed the need for respecting each other’s religions and sentiments.

He called for enhanced dialogue as well as cooperation for promoting inter-cultural and inter-faith harmony.

The premier also conveyed serious concerns of the Government and people of Pakistan on the issue of blasphemous cartoons and caricatures of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He underscored the need to redouble efforts in European countries to avoid such provocative incidents.

Antonio Tajani thanked the PM Khan for ensuring safety and security of Asia Bibi and her family.

The Supreme Court on October 31 set aside the conviction of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman condemned to death for blasphemy.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar read out the verdict, exonerating Asia Bibi from blasphemy charges and ordering her immediate release if she was not wanted in another case. “The appeal is allowed. She has been acquitted. The judgement of high court as well as trial court is reversed. Her conviction is set aside,” said the top judge.

Ms Bibi was arrested after three women went to a local cleric in Sheikhupura in 2009, to report her and the trial court convicted and sentenced her to death.

She appealed to the Lahore High Court, which upheld the decision in October 2014, with the case ending up at the Supreme Court.