115 sentenced all over the world for committing blasphemy, argues Qadri's counsel

IHC judge has questioned the counsel whether Salmaan Taseer had indirectly committed blasphemy

ISLAMABAD: As the hearing of the Salmaan Taseer murder case resumed at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday, convicted killer Mumtaz Qadri’s counsel  argued that over the past 14 years, as many as 115 people were awarded sentences across the world for committing blasphemy against religions other than Islam.

Speaking for his client at the IHC, Justice (retd) Mian Nazir Akhtar remarked that even during the time of Holy Prophet (pbuh) a person who committed blasphemy was immediately punished.

A two-member IHC bench, comprising Justice Noorul Haq N Qureshi and Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, took up the case during the day.

Justice Siddiqui had questioned Akhtar whether the former Punjab governor had indirectly slammed blasphemy laws.

After making a wide range of arguments the court adjourned the hearing of the case till February 10.

Just three days ago, the court had decided to resume the hearing on the appeal case of the convicted killer of Taseer with the Islamabad advocate general (AG) expected to lead the prosecution team.



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The government law officers sought more time as they were not prepared to pursue the case.