After The Aasia Bibi Verdict, A Longer Battle
Umer Jamshaid Published November 02, 2018 | 01:50 PM
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has greatly welcomed the Supreme Court’s landmark judgement acquitting 47-year-old Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman convicted of blasphemy in 2010 and sentenced to death
Lahore, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Nov, 2018 ) The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has greatly welcomed the Supreme Court’s landmark judgement acquitting 47-year-old Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman convicted of blasphemy in 2010 and sentenced to death.
In a statement issued today, HRCP has said: ‘While there is every reason to be relieved that Aasia Bibi has been acquitted after eight years of incarceration in the perpetual shadow of a death sentence, that Pakistan should have come this close to executing a woman for ‘blasphemy’ is a sobering thought.
It is also worth remembering what this case alone has cost in terms of other lives lost for a principle – both the Punjab governor, Salmaan Taseer, and the federal minister for minorities’ affairs, Shahbaz Bhatti, had advocated bravely and publicly for Aasia Bibi’s release.
‘With at least 40 other people reportedly on death row or serving life sentences for blasphemy, both the state and civil society need to introspect. From a human rights perspective, the Supreme Court’s detailed judgment underlines several of the most problematic aspects of applying the blasphemy laws.
The presumption of innocence is too easily buried by moral outrage, which invariably pits the vulnerable and underprivileged against those in majority. Moreover, the evidence of extrajudicial confession cannot be allowed to hold any legal worth.
‘HRCP strongly condemns the vicious reaction of all far-right religious-political groups who have taken to violent protests and openly threatened the lives of those associated with this case.
While we welcome the government’s stance that the rule of law must be upheld, HRCP urges the state to make it perfectly clear that any party’s incitement to religious hatred – notably that of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan – will not be tolerated and is punishable under the law.
Moreover, while it is critical that the judges and lawyers associated with this and similar cases be provided adequate security, this is a short-term solution to a longer, harder battle. Ultimately, the state must consider reforming the blasphemy laws in the interest of applying the law to all its citizens fairly, irrespective of their faith.’
Related Topics
Recent Stories
KP Assembly to pass caretaker govt's budget to fulfill constitutional responsibi ..
No plans for taxation on solar net metering: Power minister
Musadik urges political dialogue to resolve past conflicts
Funerals held for victims of attack on DR Congo camp
Federal govt reduces petrol price by Rs15.39 per litre
CM Bugti announces Rs 50 bln tube-wells solarization project
Vawda demands evidence about alleged interference in judiciary
Paramedical Association delegation calls on provincial president of PA Salam in ..
NCRC delegation discusses out of school children issue with Sindh Education mini ..
PFA imposes fine on bakeries on expired items
Maritime Affairs Minister attends 16th Annual All Pakistan Chambers Presidents' ..
Iranian cultural counselor stresses family's role in societal resilience amid Pa ..
More Stories From Pakistan
-
KP Assembly to pass caretaker govt's budget to fulfill constitutional responsibility: Minister
31 minutes ago -
No plans for taxation on solar net metering: Power minister
31 minutes ago -
Musadik urges political dialogue to resolve past conflicts
40 minutes ago -
CM Bugti announces Rs 50 bln tube-wells solarization project
50 minutes ago -
Vawda demands evidence about alleged interference in judiciary
1 hour ago -
Paramedical Association delegation calls on provincial president of PA Salam in Quetta
1 hour ago
-
PFA imposes fine on bakeries on expired items
1 hour ago -
Maritime Affairs Minister attends 16th Annual All Pakistan Chambers Presidents' Conference
1 hour ago -
Iranian cultural counselor stresses family's role in societal resilience amid Palestinian struggle
1 hour ago -
Ambassador Amna highlights Pakistani women’s role in economic development
1 hour ago -
MoU signs between WAPDA, GB Scouts to provide security to Diamer Bhasha dam project
1 hour ago -
Price Magistrates continues action against profiteers
1 hour ago