Asia Bibi’s recent acquittal in the Supreme Court has shaken the nation. This historic decision has acquitted Asia Bibi of blasphemy charges after spending 9 years in jail. This sparked protests all over the country instigated by the TTP. The most recent development in her case has people outraged.
Now, apparently, rumors are circulating that Asia Bibi has been put on ECL…
ECL is the Exit Control List which basically that she is not allowed to leave the country. This decision prevents her from seeking asylum in any other countries because she is essentially trapped in Pakistan and people are not happy about it.
While not a confirmed decision, Pakistanis are in a frenzy.
Absolutely disgusting of the @PTIofficial government to put Aasia Bibi’s name on the ECL; she has done nothing wrong and they have NO legal grounds to do so.
Placating these animals out on the streets is NOT the correct strategy!— Shanza (@Shanzaf) November 1, 2018
On what account will Asia Bibi be placed on ECL?!
She has been acquitted.— Ali Raza (@AliRazarizvi34) November 1, 2018
Not only that, the government has apparently decided to file a review against the Supreme Court’s decision!
Government negotiates a deal with protestors. It includes:
1) State will file review petition against Asia Bibi's acquittal;
2) Name of Asia Bibi will b placed on ECL;
3) No cases will b registered against protestors.
Source: Dunya News @PTIofficial walk the talk?— Valerie Khan (@valekhan) November 1, 2018
Reportedly the govt agreed to file review petition and Asia Bibi to put on ECL. #Digusted pic.twitter.com/Q7Z8rBSqwS
— Yasmeen Ali (@yasmeen_9) November 1, 2018
People are disappointed in how the government has handled the entire situation…
So after all the violence, roads being blocked, highways disrupted, the country paralysed and after the PM's 'Eent ka jawab pathar say' speech we will have Aasia Bibi placed on the ECL – what a climbdown
— omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) November 1, 2018
Govt filing review petition, placing Aasia Bibi on ECL. Might bring an end to the protest but shows weakness on part of Govt. State has surrendered again to TLP zealots. Now good luck stopping PTM from Islamabad lockdown. Crackdown would've sent stern message to all rogue groups.
— Ashar Jawad (@AsharJawad) November 1, 2018
…and are calling out PM Imran Khan on the promises he made just yesterday.
So the great Brave Khaptan Imran Khan has put name of Asia Bibi on ECL so that she does not leave the country and also Govt is filing the appeal against acquital.
Where are those Liberals and revolutionaries who were praising this coward ?— Ahmad Waqass Goraya (@AWGoraya) November 1, 2018
TLP will call of its protests nation wide afer Govt will put Asia BB’s name on ECL and ask supreme court to review the decision.
Jo log kal taqreer sunke khush ho rahay thay pls clap for Khan’s cowardliness pic.twitter.com/Q0Pl4bnaUv— Zameer Maan (@ZameerMaan) November 1, 2018
The situation at the moment is extremely volatile and unpredictable. However, PTI has released an official statement.
Federal Government has no plan to put Aasia Bibi’s name on ECL or appeal for a review against the court’s verdict. A review petition is been filed by the concerned party which has nothing to do with the government.
— PTI (@PTIofficial) November 1, 2018
According to the statement, the Federal Government does not intend to put Asia Bibi’s name on the ECL. Moreover, there is no intention of filing for a review against the court’s verdict either. The review petition that has been filed apparently has nothing to do with the government.
Officials have also taken to Twitter to clarify the situation
Some correction to clear media confusion: A protestor has filed a Review Petition in SC & in that demanded Asiya BB's name be put on ECL – Govt has nothing to do with both these moves. Review Petition and it's prayers are between SC and petitioner. PM's position has been clear.
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 1, 2018
Obviously, this news has been met with relief from Pakistanis.
Thank the Lord. Please, don’t bow down to the pressure. Get her out of the country please! https://t.co/tqKoU5xwDt
— Ali Raza (@AliRazarizvi34) November 1, 2018
I hope you stick to this stand now.
— Syedih (@SyedIHusain) November 1, 2018
However, people still have some burning questions.
Thanks for the clarification. Could you kindly tell us what the govt is doing to tackles these protestors who are bringing the country to a standstill when they want, harassing citizens and inciting hatred and murder?
— Rizwan Raees Khan (@rizwanrkhan) November 1, 2018
Thank you for the clarification. Could you also clarify if Asiya BB has adequate protection? Surely her safety given the furore surrounding her ensures govt security and protection?
— Mehr F Husain (@MehrFHusain) November 1, 2018
It’s been a long week, but here’s hoping things simmer down and peace is restored. What do you think about this entire debacle? Let us know in the comments.
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Cover Image Via lawtoday.com.pk