Islamabad, Nov 01 (TNS): The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf on Thursday issued a statement through its official Twitter handle saying the federal government does not plan to “put Asia Bibi’s name on the exit control list (ECL) or [file an] appeal for a review against the apex court’s verdict”.
It further clarified that the review petition was filed by the “concerned party which has nothing to do with the government”.
Federal Government has no plan to put Aasia Bibi’s name on ECL or appeal for a review against the court’s verdict. A review petition is been filed by the concerned party which has nothing to do with the government.
— PTI (@PTIofficial) November 1, 2018
The complainant in the Asia Bibi case, Qari Muhammad Salaam, has filed a review petition today through his counsel, Ghulam Mustafa, against the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Asia’s conviction in the blasphemy case.
The petitioner had also sought the placement of Asia’s name on the Exit Control List (ECL) till the judgement is reviewed.
Soon after the news broke, the ruling party issued this statement to clarify the government’s stance in this regard.
Moreover, Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari also took to Twitter to explain the federal government’s position.
Some correction to clear media confusion: A protestor has filed a Review Petition in SC & in that demanded Asiya BB’s name be put on ECL – Govt has nothing to do with both these moves. Review Petition and it’s prayers are between SC and petitioner. PM’s position has been clear.
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 1, 2018
Mazari further said that the government has taken the main opposition parties — both PML-N and PPP — on the matter and “will keep them posted about the developments”.
It is pertinent to mention that the confusion had been exacerbated by the party’s own information minister for Punjab, Fayyazul Hasan Chauhan, who reportedly made a statement to a TV channel saying the government would place Asia on the ECL.
