The Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) are due to face the long arm of the law. Ostensibly for going on the rampage last month and threatening to do the same a mere week ago. Indeed, had this been allowed to go ahead, Khadim Rizvi and his cohorts would have treated the country to a repeat performance. Likely involving yet more damage to private property and calls for insurrection from within the military establishment. That the PTI took into protective custody last week some 3,000 people linked to the TLP — among them Rizvi and his number two, Pir Azfal Qadri — paved the way for members of this religio-political group to face due process. For this Prime Minister Imran Khan must be resoundingly applauded. Ditto when it comes to the Centre’s generosity in appreciating both the opposition and media for their support in this regard. And while the entire TLP leadership should have been booked on separate charges of incitement to religious hatred and murder — it is hoped that recent developments will render null and void the review appeal against the Supreme Court’s (SC) acquittal of Asia Bibi on all of charges of blasphemy. When all is said and done, the arrest of those who were utterly flagrant in their challenging of the state’s writ sends an important message that, to use the premier’s own words, all state institutions are on the same page on this and other matters. Indeed, the SC last week directed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to present before the courts all relevant details pertaining to the TLP’s registration as a political party as well as sources of funding. Moreover, treason charges will serve to quieten those voices that had begun to speculate about a possible rupture between the Centre and the security apparatus; particularly following the latter’s public lament at being dragged into politics at each and every turn. Yet within the present context this may now be (retrospectively) viewed as simply taking a back seat as the civilian regime got on with the business of government; which is, of course, how it should be. Whether or not this indicates a new chapter going forward remains to be seen. The fourth estate is still confronting a certain degree of censorship. And then there is the question of ongoing efforts to silence leaders from the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) as they continue to peacefully demand their fundamental rights in accordance with the Constitution. Yet that being said, the crackdown on the religious right in this way sets an important precedent. And it is one which warns that orchestrated agitation — that is, blatant politicking under the false banner of religion or otherwise — will not be tolerated. Across the board. We, here at this newspaper, remain steadfast in our belief that Asia Bibi should have been quietly spirited out of the country before the state focused on dealing with the fallout of her acquittal. Nevertheless, the most pressing issue is that she be granted asylum and allowed to leave the country with her family. That, after all, would be the best Christmas gesture that the Centre could extend to the entire Christian community here in Pakistan. * Published in Daily Times, December 2nd 2018.