Opposition,state institutions backs govt's strategy, Fawad

All state institutions and opposition parties are supporting the government’s stance on the issue of countrywide protests after Asia Bibi’s acquittal, federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said on Thursday.

The federal minister said that opposition had ensured the government of its support over the matter.

Protesters have taken to the streets and blocked roads in major cities of Pakistan since the apex court on Wednesday ordered the release of Bibi, a Christian woman convicted on blasphemy charges in 2010 and on death row for eight years.

In a televised address to the nation on Wednesday evening, Prime Minister Imran Khan supported the top court's "constitutional" decision in the case, and issued a stern warning to protestors against inciting citizens or challenging the writ of the state.

Addressing a press conference along with other ministers here today, federal minister said that the government would form a strategy to deal with the situation after consultation with the opposition leaders.

The information minister said that the government committee met with Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Shehbaz Sharif and briefed them on the situation regarding the ongoing protests in the country.

The opposition has put its weight behind the government, Chaudhry said, adding that whatever strategy is formulated they will support the government in it.

“We do not want any damage being done… No one should be under the impression that the state is weak,” said the federal information minister.

He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had presented the state’s stance not that of the government.

Fawad Chaudhry said that the government will attempt to take along every political force for the sake Pakistan.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Imran Khan formed a committee to hold talks to end the ongoing protests being staged across the country.

The premier chaired an emergency meeting of the federal cabinet today during which he reviewed the current security situation and accorded approval for holding talks with the protesters.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court of Pakistan acquitted Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death over blasphemy allegations. The apex court cleared Asia Bibi of all blasphemy allegations and ordered her immediate release.

Following the verdict, protests broke out across the country, led primarily by the Tehreek Labaik Pakistan (TLP). Roads were blocked and educational institutes were closed due to the protests.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, on Wednesday, had addressed the nation and fully backed the Supreme Court's decision in the Asia Bibi case, warning protesters against clashing with the State.

"The decision of the judges is according to the constitution and Pakistan's constitution is according to the Holy Quran and Sunnah," he said, referring to Asia Bibi's acquittal by the apex court.