State will not be cowed down by threats: PM Imran Khan on Asia Bibi's protests

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has warned agitators that state will not be cowed down by threats and will fulfill its responsibility of  protecting the life and property of people.

"The despicable language used by a small section of the society against the military and judiciary is utterly deplorable. Such language is used by the enemies of a state," Khan said while addressing the nation in the wake of Asia Bibi's acquittal by the Supreme Court on Wednesday. 

Khan's address came hours after Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan staged protest sit-ins across Pakistan against the Supreme Court's decision to acquit Asia Bibi, a Christian woman, who was sentenced to death in 2010 for alleged blasphemy. 

"I appeal to the people to not give in to them because they are simply trying to increase their own vote bank. To the faction making these threats, I am telling you do not take the state on."

" It is our duty to protect property, to keep roads open and to keep people safe. The state will then exercise its power if you so as much even decide to incite any kind of violence at a time when the whole country is trying to rise together. Don’t force us into taking action," Khan warned.

Khan said that the dissent came its way from a small faction. 

"Today I am in front of you because of this Supreme Court verdict, and the dissent that came its way from a small faction. The kind of language they used against the state. Pakistan is that only country in the world that was made in the name of Islam," he said.

He said no laws of this country can go against the Quran or against the Sunnah, and the judgement today was in light of that. 

"To declare judges Wajib ul Qatal, to call the army chief a non-Muslim, to tell the troops to rebel against the army, what kind of anti state behaviour is this?"

He urged the nation to reject agitators . 

"Those who are inciting people to violence for their political objectives should be rejected. I appeal to you not to start a confrontation with the state."

"Don't cause any harm to this country for your petty politics and vote. If you do this, rest assured state will perform its responsibility of life and property of the people," the prime minister said.   

 He lamented that a small section had used foul language after the verdict and incited army generals to revolt against the army chief and judges. 

He said Pakistan is the only country after Medina to be established in the name of Islam.

"The verdict given by the judges was according to the Constitution of Pakistan which was made in line with the Sharia."

“I have said this time and again that Pakistan will become a great nation in accordance with the principles of the state of Medinah. It’s part of my belief that we will transform Pakistan into an Islamic welfare state.”

"It is a part of my faith that till we are not made on the lines of an Islamic welfare state, the country has no future. Our faith is not complete till we are not fully devoted to our Prophet (PBUH). "

"We have taken steps against the insult of our most esteemed leader that no other government ever took. We took up the issue of the caricatures with the Dutch government and made them reverse the contest." 

“We have practically done something which no government has ever done. When the Dutch parliamentarian committed blasphemy, Pakistan was the first country to raise the matter with the Dutch government and force them to withdraw the caricature competition," he said.

“We also raised the issue at the OIC. And as a result, the EU court of human rights ruled that making blasphemous comments  against Prophet Muhammad can not be conceived as freedom of expression.”

“Who can run the government like this? Who can survive such a crisis. We are already facing a financial crisis. We have been trying hard to pull the country out of crises,” he said. 

Earlier in the day, a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar today delivered a landmark judgment, acquitting Bibi of charges of blasphemy. 

The apex court set aside her conviction and ordered her immediate release from prison. 

Shortly after the verdict, TLP supporters and activists took to the streets across Pakistan, burning tyres and blocking roads. 

There is no word from any government official about the law and order situation in the country. 

According to sources, the prime minister will take the nation into confidence about Bibi's verdict and his upcoming visit to China.