Pakistani residents gather outside the house of a Christian girl, who was arrested on charges of blasphemy. — AFP Photo
Pakistani residents gather outside the house of Rimsha, who was arrested on charges of blasphemy. — AFP File Photo

PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) on Friday deplored keeping minor Rimsha in jail and expressed displeasure over the extension of remand for another14 days.

In a statement issued by the party’s central media cell, the PTI central spokesman said it is regretted that she is still languishing in jail.

The spokesman said Rimsha besides being underage is also suffering from a serious disability called downs syndrome. He said that there is little doubt that she is unfit to determine what is blasphemous or not.

The spokesman also expresses displeasure and said extending her remand for another 14 days is a travesty of justice. “Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf strongly believes that no one should be allowed to injure the religious feelings of anyone and therefore blasphemy laws are necessary,” said the spokesman, adding that if someone indeed commits blasphemy he or she should be proceeded against under the law.

“But in application it is crucial for the law enforcement agencies to proceed with caution and distinguish between genuine cases of blasphemy and those cases where certain people are misusing the law to settle personal scores or as in this case the accused is underage and handicapped,” he added.

The PTI spokesman said that the law enforcement agencies bear responsibility ensuring fair application of the law. “In this case it does not appear to be so,” he added.

Opinion

Rule by law

Rule by law

‘The rule of law’ is being weaponised, taking on whatever meaning that fits the political objectives of those invoking it.

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