Daily Times

The acquittal of Asia Bibi is a bittersweet victory. Of course, we here at Daily Times, welcome the news that she has been acquitted of blasphemy by the highest court in the land; thereby proving her innocence beyond all reasonable doubt. And though this will not bring back Salmaan Taseer or Shahbaz Bhatti — it is only right and just that the former farm labourer will be reunited with her family. Even if she is to be spirited out of the country almost immediately.

Yet the fact remains that this underprivileged woman who has become the face of anti-Christian persecution in this country should never have been locked up in the first place. Let alone for nine long years; much of which was endured in solitary confinement and strongly contributed to suspected premature dementia. For quite simply, a ‘confession’ of blasphemy made in front of a baying crowd ought not to have been admissible evidence before any court of law. And then there is the question of the ‘original sin’ committed by Asia Bibi’s two Muslim neighbours who incited against her Christian faith.

To be sure, the Supreme Court (SC) has delivered justice. And it has done so under fire. But those hoping that this will set an important precedent for future blasphemy cases should prepare for disappointment. After all, the judiciary is just one component of the state. And as long as the religio-political right is free to take to the streets to demand that not only Asia Bibi be executed but, also, the judges involved in this case, Pakistan will continue to hurtle along a perilous trajectory.

Admittedly, Prime Minister Imran Khan has warned the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) against further agitation in violation of Section 144 that was imposed across the Punjab and Sindh; remaining in place until November 10. Particularly when it comes to clashing with state institutions. The PTI chief also pointed out that bringing urban centres to a standstill impacts the most vulnerable, such as daily wage earners. Included in his televised message was a spattering of references to Islam. Yet what was resoundingly absent from all this was any mention of booking Khadim Rizvi’s party for incitement to religious hatred. This is a gross oversight and sends the message to Pakistan’s Christians as well as other minorities that their lives are worth less than those of Supreme Court judges. All of which serves to unwittingly strengthen the extremist hand.  Moreover, it allows the chattering classes to celebrate justice on the basis of a single ruling. The only focus being that the law is upheld. With no consideration for the long-term fate of the Christian community.

If Pakistan is to progress in any meaningful way, the majority must come together in solidarity with the persecuted; going beyond mere lip service. After all, Muslims in the US rallied round the Jewish community in the aftermath of the Pittsburgh atrocity. If Pakistani Muslims, including the PM, cannot do the same for Christians here in this country —  then Asia Bibi will have suffered for nothing. Her only victory being not going down in history as the first woman to be executed for blasphemy.

In the meanwhile, however, we must appreciate the courage of the SC; which upheld the law and did not allow street passions influence its judgement.  *

Published in Daily Times, November 1^st 2018.