Earlier today, The Lahore High Court granted bail to Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan chief Khadim Rizvi and former TLP patron-in-chief Pir Afzal Qadri, in a case lodged against them for inciting violence and terrorism following the acquittal of Aasia Bibi from blasphemy charge.
TLP had always been vocal against the release of Aasia Bibi, and rallied in support of execution or extrajudicial murder for those charged of blasphemy
Following Aasia Bibi’s acquittal, the clerics ordered the party to stage a violent and disruptive protest, blocking out all major roads and intersections across the country.
The protests led the government to hold a crackdown, arresting Khadim Rizvi along with 500 supporters in order to “maintain public order,” booked for 11 various cases on charges of treason, inflammatory speeches, violence and vandalism.
Today, Khadim Hussain Rizvi has been granted bail and is expected to pay a surety bond of Rs. 5 million.
The two-member bench, comprising of Justice Qasim Ali Khan and Justice Asjad Javed Gharal, granted the bail to both Rizvi and Qadri till July 15.
News of the bail has spread outrage across the country
He’s become the hottest subject for social media commentators
With many taking to social media to express their disappointment.
#KhadimHussainRizvi burnt millions of rupees properties, instigated mobs, bring country on stand still causing billions of rupees loss, hate speeches against politicians, judges and COAS but free now. What a toothless state when it comes to fight extremism https://t.co/dSF4O5ex5n
— Asad Ali Toor (@AsadAToor) May 14, 2019
People are questioning the abilities of the Lahore High Court, saying it has become regular to gain bails from there if you fail in all the other courts.
Lahore High Court once again! what's wrong with the judges in Lahore High Court? I guess it has become a fashion if anyone doesn't get bail he goes to Lahore High Court and get it without much delay. #KhadimHussainRizvi
— Ahmad (@iamahmadshah) May 14, 2019
While there are some who are questioning the motive behind Mr. Rizvi’s arrest in the first place.
There was not a single proof against #KhadimHussainRizvi in the court, the speech by Pir Afzal Qadri was the basic reason, but they detained Khadim Rizvi sahib for 5 months, just because to Release Asia Maseeh, the Mission has been done, so there is no reason behind.
— Muhammad Bilal Khan (@BilalKhanWriter) May 14, 2019
And then there are some highly problematic statements being made in the support of Rizvi and his release.
The time has come for qadianis and Desi liberals to go underground because the HERO, the REAL LION, the CHIEF SECURITY GAURD of Namoos e Risalat Mr.#KhadimHussainRizvi is back.
— محمد شاہ عبیر رضوی (@shahabirgadit) May 14, 2019
There are a lot of dangerous fans who’re celebrating the release of Khadim Hussain Rizvi
https://twitter.com/safdar1122/status/1128243102379126784
https://twitter.com/DrMugheeshere/status/1128239672654741504
While it is unsure what the outcome of Rizvi’s release would be, and the next course of action that TLP would be taking. Even though Rizvi officially resigned from the party given his health issues following the bail, but he still stands as an influential figure for all supporters of TLP and may help decide the outfit’s future.
What do you think about Khadim Rizvi’s bail? Let us know in the comments.
