Pakistan court to review acquittal in blasphemy trial
Jan 28, 2019
The lawyer of a Pakistani Christian woman who spent eight years on death row for charges of blasphemy has vowed to secure her freedom when the country's Supreme Court meets Tuesday to reconsider an acquittal announced last year
ISLAMABAD — The lawyer of a Pakistani Christian woman who spent eight years on death row for charges of blasphemy vowed to secure her freedom when the country's Supreme Court meets Tuesday to reconsider an acquittal announced last year.
Aasia Bibi was released from prison in October but has been under guard in a secret location since then because of death threats from Islamic extremists. Blasphemy against Islam is punishable by death in Pakistan, and the mere rumor that someone has committed blasphemy can ignite lynchings.
If Pakistan's top court upholds its earlier ruling, Bibi will be free to leave for Canada, where her daughters have already been granted asylum.
Her attorney, Saiful Malook, who has also received death threats and fled the country after her acquittal, is back in Islamabad and will attend Tuesday's hearing.
"I am sure the review petition ... will be rejected," Malook told The Associated Press on Monday. He said he has asked authorities to provide him with personal security.
The petitioners "have no case against my client, I am sure of that," Malook added.
The 54-year-old mother of five was arrested in 2009 after being accused of blasphemy following a quarrel with two Muslim farm workers who refused to drink from a water container used by a Christian in a village in eastern Punjab province. A local mob, incited by a cleric, accused Bibi of insulting the Prophet Muhammad. Police arrested her, and she was sentenced to death in 2010.
Her Oct. 31 acquittal led hard-line Islamists to stage nationwide protests for days demanding the re-imposition of her death sentence. Prime Minister Imran Khan's government promised Bibi would not be allowed to leave Pakistan until her case was reviewed, bringing a halt to protests.
Days later, authorities arrested radical cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi and several of his followers for organizing rallies against Bibi. The cleric and the others remain in custody pending trial for damaging public property and threatening Supreme Court judges.
The cleric petitioning the court for Bibi's return to death row, Qari Salam, is linked with Rizvi's Tehreek-i-Labaik party, which first brought the case forward in 2009.
Rizvi's party said Monday it will not accept any decision in favor of Bibi's release. In a strongly worded statement, the party asked its followers to prepare for more mass protests.
Pakistani police have stepped up security around the Supreme Court in Islamabad on the eve of its ruling.
MORE NEWS
Asian Games 2026: Kumkum Mohod And Dhiraj Bommadevara Deliver Historic Recurve Archery Mixed Team Silver
India's impressive show in archery at Asiad continues with Kumkum Mohod and Dhiraj Bommadevara delivering yet another medal.
Asian Games 2026 Live Updates, Day 14: India Win Historic Recurve Archery Mixed Team Silver
Asian Games 2026, October 2 Live Updates: Follow all the latest updates from the 14th day of the event with Indian contingent in action across various sports.
Putin sees ‘very big potential’ in India ties, backs joint use of global trade corridors
Vladimir Putin highlighted significant potential for economic collaboration with India, particularly in transport and shipping corridors. He expressed readiness for joint maritime initiatives following successful pilot voyages with China and South Korea. Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts towards resolving the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and mutual understanding. Meanwhile, discussions about alternative trade routes to the Indian Ocean are gaining traction to mitigate regional transit risks.
Putin sees ‘very big potential’ in India ties, backs joint use of global trade corridors
Vladimir Putin highlighted significant potential for economic collaboration with India, particularly in transport and shipping corridors. He expressed readiness for joint maritime initiatives following successful pilot voyages with China and South Korea. Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts towards resolving the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and mutual understanding. Meanwhile, discussions about alternative trade routes to the Indian Ocean are gaining traction to mitigate regional transit risks.
Inside botched US executions: Methods, failures and scrutiny
The recent botched execution of a woman in Tennessee raises serious concerns about capital punishment methods. Many states in the US utilize lethal injection, but other methods like nitrogen inhalation and firing squads are also authorized. Some executions have been painfully prolonged or poorly executed, leading to public outcry. States often respond to issues by pausing or changing methods, yet transparency remains lacking.
New York governor appoints special prosecutor in Cornell fraternity rape case
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed the state attorney general’s office to take over the investigation into allegations that a woman was gang raped at a Cornell University fraternity house in 2024. The move follows renewed scrutiny after a civil lawsuit, with Cornell also launching an independent review of how it handled the allegations.
Asian Games Medal Tally October 2: What is India’s rank? Full list of gold, silver & bronze medal winners
Asian Games 2026 Medal Tally: India climbed to seventh place in the Asian Games 2026 medal tally after winning its 11th gold medal on Friday. The Indian women’s recurve archery team made history by defeating South Korea in the final to secure a maiden gold in the event. India’s tally now stands at 67 medals, including 11 gold, 23 silver and 33 bronze.
Inside Tennessee’s first female execution in 200 years, and how it went wrong
A Tennessee execution failed after Christa Pike remained alive despite receiving two doses of pentobarbital, breathing and making sounds for more than an hour before being taken to hospital in critical condition. The botched execution prompted Governor Bill Lee to order a review and postpone another execution scheduled for later this year.
Trump and Vance hit the campaign trail in deep-red areas where GOP candidates seek a boost
Donald Trump and JD Vance are ramping up campaigning in Republican-leaning states ahead of the November 3 midterms, as GOP leaders try to boost turnout and enthusiasm amid concerns over the economy, affordability and the Iran war. Trump has promised a near-daily campaign sprint, while Republicans are also targeting races in Texas, Florida, Oklahoma and other states that have become more competitive.
India growth may slow to 5.5-6% in H2FY27 as capex moderates: Report
India's economic growth is projected to slow to 5.5-6% in the second half of 2026-27. This slowdown follows a robust growth of 7-7.5% in the first half of the financial year. Combined capital expenditure growth is expected to moderate significantly from 13.2% to around 4% in the latter months. Additionally, the central government's capital expenditure growth will weaken due to a declining fiscal position.
'Broken, corrupt system is eating up lives': CJP to begin 'Jail Bharo Aandolan' from Mumbai today
Cockroach Janta Party plans to initiate a nationwide protest starting in Mumbai demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The movement aims to highlight the perceived undermining of the electoral process and the right to vote. Party spokespersons emphasize the necessity of ensuring a level playing field for the youth of India. They anticipate a peaceful protest while expecting full cooperation from the Mumbai Police.