ISLAMABAD: The military spokesman on Friday called for a peaceful resolution of the controversy over acquittal of Aasia Bibi by the Supreme Court in a blasphemy case, but at the same time cautioned the protest leadership against transgressing constitutional limits.

“We have so far been tolerating, but action can be taken when constitutional limits are crossed. Don’t force us to take steps that are allowed constitutionally,” warned Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, chief of the Inter-Services Public Relations — media wing of the military — while talking to state-run Pakistan Television.

This was the first reaction from the military to the protests against the acquittal of a Christian woman, which have been led by the Tehreek-i-Labbaik-Pakistan since Oct 31. The protesting leaders have made inflammatory speeches against the judiciary and the military.

Reacting to this situation, Prime Minister Imran Khan had said in his nationwide televised speech: “Do not push us [to a situation] where we are compelled to take action.” The prime minister had made the speech after meeting army chief Gen Qamar Bajwa.

ISPR head regrets that military is ‘dragged into every controversy’

The military spokesman said: “As far as anti-army statements are concerned, there is a constitution which defines limits and that should be respected.”

Maj Gen Ghafoor deplored that the military was “unfortunately dragged into every controversy”. He maintained that Aasia Bibi’s case was purely a legal matter which had nothing to do with the army, and also termed the anti-army speeches of TLP leaders “unfortunate”.

The spokesman said that the army was close to winning the “war against terrorism” and achieving the target of establishing a sustainable peace. The unrest, he warned, could distract the military engaged in counterterrorism operations.

The army, he emphasised, would want peaceful closure of the matter.

Referring to the review petition filed in the Aasia Bibi case, he said the apex court would hopefully proceed as per law and decide the case. “The process is yet to be completed,” he added.

Replying to a question about TLP leader Khadim Hussain Rizvi’s claim of having been threatened during talks (with the authorities), he said an ISI officer was part of the government delegation and probably during the negotiations a heated exchange took place.

Maj Gen Ghafoor said the government was currently engaged in talks with TLP leaders and subsequently might look at its response options. Elaborating, he said, the first tier of response was that of civilian law enforcement agencies. The military could be summoned subsequently, if required, he added. “In that situation Gen Bajwa would give advice or the army will act according to the prime minister’s orders.”

He, however, hoped that the situation would be avoided.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2018