Asia Bibi acquittal: CJ takes notice of loss of lives, property

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Tuesday took suo moto notice of the loss of lives and property of general public by rioters after the court’s acquittal of Aasia Bibi. According to the spokesperson of the top court, the chief justice today took the notice of loss of valuables or properties during the tragic incidents. Meanwhile, the chief justice has sought the reports from the federal and the provincial governments within three days. The CJP directed the federal and provincial governments to furnish with three days their reports detailing the estimated losses. The spokesperson confirmed that the notice was taken on media reports that significant losses were caused to the general public in the wake of the apex court’s verdict in the Aasia Bibi case. He added that the purpose of notice was to compensate aal the victims who lost their valuable properties or assets. Earlier on October 31, the SC had acquitted Aasia Bibi — a Christian woman previously condemned to death on blasphemy charges — after accepting her appeal against her sentence. The top court's decision had angered reliogiopolitical parties, including the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), which had taken to the streets and staged violent sit-ins and protests across the country. The protests had at times escalated into riots, with protesters setting vehicles on fire and on one occasion even pillaging the push cart of a child selling bananas.