Aasia Bibi Will Get Full Protection, But Cannot Leave Pakistan: Afridi

Aasia Bibi and her family have been provided with complete security. Shehryar Afridi – Minister of State for Interior in Pakistan stated this in an interview to Voice of America.

Shehryar Afridi said that until Aasia Bibi, who was cleared of blasphemy charges by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, is convicted of a crime her name cannot be placed on the Exit Control List (ECL).

“Every Pakistani, irrespective of their religion, is the responsibility of the government and no one can be given a license to play with someone’s life or property,” he further added.

After Aasia Bibi was acquitted, the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) ordered their followers to protest and begin sit-ins across the country. The protests later turned violent and eventually the government signed an agreement with TLP leaders to calm the situation.

 

“Till someone is declared a criminal, or there is a legal basis, the question of placing an individual’s name on ECL does not arise”. The minister also cleared the speculations that Aasia had already left the country.

Speaking on the protests, Afridi said: “we decided not to use force and talk to the protestors instead.” He said all stakeholders and the opposition were consulted about decisions made in the wake of the protests.

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