PM warns against challenging writ of the state

Warns those behind havoc of severe consequences

ISLAMABAD: [fbvideo link="https://www.facebook.com/etribune/videos/1916849975031431/"][/fbvideo]

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that the Supreme Court judgement in the Aasia Bibi case was in accordance with the Constitution.

The PM was addressing the nation following the top court’s verdict that absolved the 51-year-old Christian women of the blasphemy charges and ordered her immediate release.

“The constitution in Pakistan is subordinate to the Quran and Sunnah,” said the PM, adding that Pakistan stands on the basis of faith in the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him).

He lamented that a faction was trying to incite violence in the country, declaring “it’s not only unacceptable but also very unfortunate given the present situation of the country which calls for unity”.

“They are trying to boost their vote bank with such tactics,” said Prime Minister Imran who is set to embark on an important trip to China. He warned the groups out on the streets in different cities in protest against the judgment that a “clash with the state shall lead to severe consequences”.

“Do not harm our country otherwise the state will fulfil its responsibility and take all possible steps to protect the lives and properties of the people,” he stated firmly.

He reminded the nation that Pakistan is the only country to have been created in the name of Islam. “Creation in the name of Islam means that no law can be against the Quran and Sunnah,” he said.

Warning those using derogatory language against the judiciary post the verdict, the PM said “such behaviour shall not be tolerated”. He added, “Slogans such as ‘they deserve death’ are simply deplorable.”

Imran expressed concern over the impact of such protests on the country, its people and the economy, reiterating the warning that no one would be allowed to block the roads and bring the country to a halt.

“We will not let anyone take the law into their hands,” he assured the nation after reports of vandalism in various parts of the country.

He reminded the nation that Pakistan lodged a strong protest against a planned competition of blasphemous cartoons in the Netherlands, with a result that the competition was cancelled.

“For the first time Pakistan took the issue to the OIC and the United Nations and as a result, the European court held derogatory materials against freedom of expression,” he added.

The PM also applauded the Pakistan Army for their contributions to maintaining peace within the country and securing it on the borders.

“Our army has fought a difficult war against terrorism, we shall all respect their hard work and sacrifices,” he said, adding that after a long time Pakistan was enjoying a good time and was on a steady road to progress.

In his concluding remarks, the prime minister appealed to the people not to let a small group of people provoke them into violence. “They are not serving Islam… they are damaging our country,” he said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa called on Prime Minister Imran at the PM Office to discuss the security situation.

Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry tweeted that the COAS and the PM discussed the current security situation among other important matters.

The leadership reaffirmed that the nation was united for maintaining peace, security and stability of the country. They talked about the situation emerging in the wake of the Aasia Bibi case judgement and decided upon a strategy to tackle the situation.

According to sources, the army chief also met the PM before his address.

Meanwhile, the prime minister is scheduled to leave for his three-day official visit to China today. During his visit, he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and his counterpart Li Keqiang. PM Imran will also place a wreath at the Memorial of Chinese heroes at the Tianmen Square.