PCC urges government to provide security to legal team and family of Asia Bibi

Karachi: October 10, 2016. (PCP) Dr. Nazir S Bhatti, President of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC has demanded adequate security to team of lawyers and family members of Asia Bibi as Supreme Court of Pakistan SCP Lahore Bench is scheduled to hear Asia Bibi appeal against her death sentence on accusation of blasphemy on October 13, 2016, according to press note issued by Central Secretariat of PCC here today.

Dr. Nazir Bhatti said in statement that extremist Muslim religious parties are planning to hold demonstrations to put pressure on Judges of Supreme Court of Pakistan to uphold death sentence of Asia Bibi on charges of blasphemy which might be a serious threat to freedom of judicial system of Pakistan but government is silent on such threats to legal team, supporters and family members of Asia Bibi.

Sources close to Pakistan Christian Post in Lahore revealed that Muslim religious groups like Sunni Tehreek and other banned militant groups are holding meetings to protest in front of Supreme Court of Pakistan Lahore Bench on date of hearing of Asia Bibi that she may be hanged on charges of blasphemy for which attacks on legal team and one Christian NGO supporting Asia Bibi are conspired.

PCC Chief said that he have written letters to Chief Minister of Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif and Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Nawaz Sharif to provide adequate security to family of Asia Bibi and her legal team prior to hearing of her case; and to allow any protest on October 13, 2016, in front of Lahore High Court which may pressure judges of apex court bench.

Dr. Nazir Bhatti also appealed to Christian leaders to refrain from issuing statements on case hearing of Asia Bibi which may provide chance to Muslim fundamental organization to hold rallies during hearing of Christian mother Asia Bibi case.