Massive protests continued in Pakistan on the second day after the acquittal of Christian woman Aasia Bibi, who was on death row for blasphemy against Islam. The Supreme Court of Pakistan acquitted Bibi by overturning the lower courts 8-year-old death sentence.
Saiful Malook, Asia's lawyer told media that Aasia Bibi has been taken to an unspecified location for her safety amid the death threats which she has been receiving from Islamists after her acquittal. According to Saiful Malook Aasia Bibi would soon leave the country as France and Spain have offered her asylum.
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Supporters of the Tehrik-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) party blocked roads in major cities for the second day on Thursday calling for summary execution of not only Aasia Bibi but also the Chief Justice of Pakistan and other two judges who acquitted Bibi.
"They all deserve to be killed," Tehrik-e-Labaik (TLP) co-founder Muhammad Afzal Qadri said while leading a protest march in Lahore.
Afzal Qadri also exhorted the security guard, driver and cook of the judges to kill them.
Other Islamic political parties such as Ahle Sunnat Waljamaat Milli Yakjehti Council are also protesting in Sargodha in Punjab province. Milli Yakjehti Council has also indicated its willingness to join the protest.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan has warned of harsh action against protestors. The government has deployed the army to maintain law and order.
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"We will not allow any damages. We will not allow traffic to be blocked… I appeal to you, do not push the state to the extent that it is forced to take harsh action," Prime Minister Imran Khan said in a televised address to the nation.
Aasia Bibi was accused of making derogatory remarks about Islam after neighbors objected to her drinking water from their glass as she was not a Muslim.
Aasia Bibi had been on a death row since 2010. But setting aside the verdict of the trial court and Lahore High Court, the Supreme Court acquitted Aasia Bibi on the grounds of insufficient evidence.