Govt providing security to Aasia Bibi and family: Shehryar Afridi

Says name cannot be placed on ECL without legal basis

Aasia Bibi and her family have been provided complete security, Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi said in a recent interview to Voice of America.

Afridi said that until Bibi, who was recently acquitted of blasphemy charges by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, is convicted of a crime or there is a judicial order, her name cannot be placed on the Exit Control List (ECL).

"Every Pakistani, no matter 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's acquittal on October 31, the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) ordered their followers to protest and begin sit-ins across the country. The protests which turned violent and saw destruction and vandalism of private property came to an end October 2 after the government signed an agreement with TLP leaders.

Terms included initiating the process of placing Aasia Bibi's name on the ECL, allowing a review petition to be filed against her acquittal and releasing TLP followers who had been arrested during protests.

"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".



Afridi also rubbished rumors that Aasia Bibi had already left the country.

When asked about the clause in the agreement with TLP that allowed a review petition of Aasia's acquittal, he said such a petition is within a citizen's rights to pursue and that any decisions made by the SC will be fully implemented.

Speaking on the protests, Afridi said: "we decided not to use force and engage them instead."



He said all stakeholders and the opposition were consulted about decisions made in the wake of the protests.

The government says legal proceedings against scores who have been arrested after the protests are continuing and there will be no compromise on the supremacy of law.