Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Thursday commented on the Asia Bibi case and said they (judges) were ready to sacrifice their lives for Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) but how could the court punish someone if there was no proof against them.

The top judge’s remarks came as he heard the federal government’s plea regarding the appointment of a new Islamabad inspector general of police (IGP) in light of the current security situation following the top court’s verdict acquitting Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death over blasphemy allegations.

“We are ready to sacrifice our lives for the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him),” Justice Nisar said. “But if there is no proof against someone then how can we punish them?” the chief justice remarked.

The top judge further said, “Blasphemy is not acceptable to anyone. No one’s faith is any less and we do not love the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) any less than anyone else but we are not just the qazis (judges) of Muslims.”

Referring to the 56-page judgment on Asia Bibi case, Justice Nisar said, “We started the judgment with the Kalima and constantly referred to the Holy Quran.”

“Love does not mean that even if a case cannot be formed we make one. We uphold the Finality of the Prophethood and without it our faith is not complete. We have judges on our benches who are always reciting the Durood Sharif. We published the verdict in Urdu as well so the nation can read it,” he added.

Speaking about the ongoing protests following the top court’s verdict acquitting Asia Bibi, Justice Nisar said, “The state should fulfil its responsibility to maintain peace in the country like the prime minister said last night.”

A day earlier, the Supreme Court acquitted Bibi and ordered her immediate release. Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday fully backed the Supreme Court’s decision in the Asia Bibi case and warned protesters against clashing with the state. “I’m here only because a Supreme Court verdict was announced today. The way a small section reacted to it and the language that they used, I am forced to address you,” PM Imran said.

“The decision of the judges is according to the constitution and Pakistan’s constitution is according to the Holy Quran and Sunnah,” he said, referring to Bibi’s acquittal by the apex court.

“They are inciting you for their own political gain, you should not get trapped by them for the sake of the country, they are doing no service to Islam,” he said in the televised broadcast. The prime minister noted that because of Pakistan’s efforts, the European Court of Human Rights was forced to agree that disrespect of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is unlawful.

PM Imran appealed to the nation not to listen to such elements, warning agitators not to clash with the state or hurt the country only for their vote bank and political gain. “If you do this, the state will fulfil its responsibility,” he said.

Published in Daily Times, November 2^nd 2018.