After a long battle that lasted for almost a decade, Asia Bibi has now been acquitted by the Supreme Court and Pakistanis couldn’t be happier.
Today was a turning point in the history of Pakistan, where a person falsely accused has been set free by the country’s highest court.
People are happy about this twist of events and are applauding the various people who were a part of Asia’s long, hard battle against ethno-religious marginalization.
People like Justice Khosa and the late Salman Taseer are being thanked by the masses for their just treatment an support in Asia’s case.
You live on. We have won today against bigotry fanaticism and downright stupidity.
— Yasser Latif Hamdani (@theRealYLH) October 31, 2018
You live on. We have won today against bigotry fanaticism and downright stupidity.
— Yasser Latif Hamdani (@theRealYLH) October 31, 2018
On the other end, religious groups have erupted into a nationwide protest rallying against Asia Bibi’s acquaintance and major cities experienced massive rights.
Pakistan didn’t protest like this against Osama bin Laden, but they’re protesting against Asia Bibi, a poor Pakistani Christian lady who drank water from the same cup as Muslims. They want her hanged immediately for “blasphemy”. pic.twitter.com/xeH6cJmWY3
— Imam of Peace (@Imamofpeace) October 23, 2018
There’s chaos in Karachi
More visuals from Tower Karachi where TLP protest underway against acquittal of Aasia Masih by Supreme Court in Blasphemy case. Traffic suspended. #SupremeCourt #AsiaBibi pic.twitter.com/MetZUBcvpg
— Ebad Shaikh (@Ebad__10) October 31, 2018
And in Faizabad
Faizabad pic.twitter.com/EiExgwilqx
— Syed Talat Hussain (@TalatHussain12) October 31, 2018
However, what stood out amidst all this havoc is the Tehreek-e-Labaik, who were a pioneer of this chaos
While most of the country is celebrating the Court’s decision, many are furious over the fact that Aasia was not served with the death penalty.
Khadim Rizvi, the leader of Tehreek-e-Labbaik has called his party members and followers to cause havoc in the streets#AasiaBibi pic.twitter.com/wvMqFJ6WXy— MangoBaaz (@mangobaaz) October 31, 2018
To further add fuel to the already burning fire, Afzal Qadri has come forth with a new suggestion to fight against the “assumed” unfair and unjust acquittal of Asia Bibi
Tehrike Labbaik’s Afzal Qadri openly asks soldiers to rebel against Army Chief in the aftermath of #AsiaBibi‘s acquittal. Now will @OfficialDGISPR bother to take notice of this? pic.twitter.com/xPMb0bVq0L
— Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) October 31, 2018
And thank God, people are not really pleased with this statement, to say the least
Babaji ke pair qabar mein latak rahay hain but the jazba to wreck havoc on the world is strong. Jaatay jaatay bhi manhoosiat hi chor ke jaein ge.
— Nandz (@NandanaKamal) October 31, 2018
Afzal Qadri asked the Army to stand up and rebel against Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa, and people have legit lost their shit
Ye zahni Bemar log hain jinhu ne ISLAM jaisa ROSHAN DEEN ku AIK intaha pasand DEEN bna dya hai.
— صہیب صدیق (@Sohaib273557171) October 31, 2018
There is no way to sugar coat the kind of hate people are spewing against Tehreek-e-Labaik at the moment.
The entire Thereek e Labaik and Diesel deserve to be nuked
— zeenat eva khan (@Eva2021956) October 31, 2018
okay..
At least find a way to put them on death row for 9 years.
— Arslan Khalid (@arslan_k) October 31, 2018
How does one even make this content safe for public viewing?
They should all be put in front of the firing squad ..
— Adeel Shakir (@ashakir_) October 31, 2018
People are dumbfounded at the audacity Afzal Qadri, and other members of the Tehreek-E-Labaik have managed to show amidst this entire ordeal.
How much more can these guys say and still continue to get away with?
TLP’s Afzal Qadri issues a edict saying all three judges on the bench which acquitted Asia Bibi are liable to death.
— Abid Hussain (@abidhussayn) October 31, 2018
The patron in chief of TLP, Muhammad Afzal Qadri, has issued the edict that says the chief justice and all those who ordered the release of Asia deserve death,” @ImranKhanPTI @OfficialDGISPR
Now what? Isnt it time that you put an end to this.#nationalactionplan #AsiaBibi— ahmed gul (@ahmedgul01) October 31, 2018
The question which lingers now is: How long can people and political and religious groups go on and continue to malign prestigious and credible institutions such as the Supreme Court and the Army in Pakistan. Freedom of speech has turned into an ugly excuse in the political battlefield in Pakistan, one that needs to be used in an ethical manner, not to be taken for granted. It is high time that the people of Pakistan take stern actions against such hateful actions and comments and show solidarity for what they believe in. No leader or figurehead should be comfortable enough to promote rebellion in an already politically unstable country and strict actions must be taken against all who promote such actions and content.
On that note, what is your take on Afzal Qadri’s request? Do you think there need to be serious repercussions to his actions? Let us know what you think about this.
Pakistanis Are Applauding Justice Khosa’s Impressive Remarks In The Asia Bibi Case Judgment