The Latest: Pakistani radicals slam blasphemy case acquittal
Jan 29, 2019
The Latest: Senior leader of radical Pakistani Islamist party slams acquittal of Christian woman in blasphemy case
ISLAMABAD — The Latest on developments in Pakistan surrounding the case of Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy (all times local):
6:10 p.m.
A top leader of a radical Islamist party in Pakistan, which had long campaigned for the execution of Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy, is asking supporters to hold nationwide rallies against her release.
Mohammad Shafiq Amini, the acting chief of Tehreek-i-Labaik party, sent a video message to followers on Tuesday to rejected Bibi's acquittal by the Supreme Court earlier in the day as "cruel and unjust."
He says Muslims should feel ashamed that Bibi was not executed and asked the Prophet Muhammad for "forgiveness that we could not do anything, and that blasphemers are alive."
He rejected the verdict calling it "cruel and unjust" and asked his supporters to come out and launch mass protest over Bibi's acquittal.
Amini also asked the party's supporters to fill the jails across Pakistan by getting arrested for protesting.
___
2:55 p.m.
Pakistan's top court has upheld its acquittal of a Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy, clearing the last legal hurdle and freeing Aasia Bibi to leave the country.
The three-judge panel of the country's Supreme Court on Tuesday said the arguments of the lawyer acting on behalf of the petitioners did not satisfy the judges.
Radical Islamists had demanded the court reverse its Oct. 31 acquittal and execute Bibi.
Bibi, who spent eight years on death row and remained under guard at a secret place since her acquittal, will now be free to leave the country and join her daughters who fled to Canada and were granted asylum there.
___
9 a.m.
Pakistan's top court is to decide whether to uphold its acquittal of a Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy, a decision that would finally set her free and allow her to join her daughters in Canada.
The lawyer for Aasia Bibi, who spent eight years on death row, says he expects the judges on Tuesday to reject a petition by radical Islamists for a review of their Oct. 31 acquittal.
Following her acquittal, radical religious parties in Pakistan took to the streets to protest, calling for the killing of judges who acquitted Bibi and for the overthrow of Prime Minister Imran Khan's government.
They also filed a last-minute appeal for a review of the Supreme Court acquittal. The protests were spearheaded by the radical Tehreek-e-Labbaik party, whose single point agenda is protection of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.
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.