The Supreme Court on Tuesday — amid tight security in the capital — dismissed a petition seeking review of the top court's October 31, 2018 verdict of acquitting Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman who spent eight years wrongfully accused on death row in a blasphemy case.
“On merit, this petition is dismissed,” said Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, ending Aasia Bibi's final legal hurdle. The petitioner had failed to point out any mistake in the original judgment.
After her release from Multan’s women prison on November 7 last year, Aasia Bibi was flown to Islamabad onboard a special aircraft. She was then taken to an undisclosed place amid tight security. Authorities have remained tight-lipped about her movement and whereabouts for security reasons.
“I am really gratefully to everybody, now after nine years it is confirmed that I am free and I will be going to hug my daughters,” a friend quoted Bibi as saying. The friend spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity fearing for his own safety.
As the hearing started at 1pm, petitioner Qari Muhammad Salaam's lawyer Ghulam Ikram presented his arguments before a three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Khosa and comprising Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel. The lawyer had demanded that a larger bench be made for the review petition, saying it should include Islamic scholars and ulama.
"How is this a matter of religion?" asked the CJP. "Has the verdict not been given on merit?"
"The verdict was given on the basis of testimonies; does Islam say that one should be punished even if they are found not guilty?
"Prove to us what [you believe] is wrong with the verdict," said Chief Justice Khosa.
When the lawyer pointed to the verdict mentioning "burden of proof" being on the petitioner, the judge asked: "Do you disagree with this rule?"
"The verdict did not take into account some views [of the witnesses' testimonies]," argued the lawyer. "If a testimony isn't further examined [by the lawyers], it is understood to be true."
"You should talk on the merits [of the verdict]," the top judge remarked.
"The beauty of a Muslim community is that non-muslims are taken care of," said the CJP, addressing the lawyer. "First talk about the merit and tell us where the flaw is.
"First tell us where the testimony was read incorrectly [by the court]. What Islam says about it will be discussed later.
"Islam says that the person testifying should be truthful, even if speaking the truth means implicating your loved ones. If we have not read the testimony correctly, we will rectify it immediately," said the chief justice.
'False testimonies'
The allegations against Aasia Bibi were made in June 2009 when she was labouring in a field and a row broke out with some Muslim women she was working with.
She was asked to fetch water, but the Muslim women objected, saying that as a non-Muslim she was unfit to touch the water bowl. A few days later the women went to a local cleric and put forward the blasphemy allegations.
Speaking on the incident that sparked the allegations, the top judge said: "You are saying that Aasia said this [alleged blasphemous words] while addressing 25 people. Was she addressing a jalsa [rally]?"
"In front of the investigation officer, the women said that no dispute had occurred between them," the chief justice noted. "This case did not have as many honest witnesses as it should have had."
"The investigation officer says that the female witnesses changed their statements. The testimonies of the investigation officer and the witnesses are different.
"The falsa farm's owner did not appear in court to record his testimony. According to the law, if a testimony is not recorded under Section 342 of the CrPC [recording a statement by the accused], then it does not have any value.
"The farm's owner only came forward after the police started the investigation, 20 days after [it started]. His testimony holds no legal value.
"The delay of an hour is enough to create suspicion."
The lawyer maintained that the petitioners did not add Aasia [to the case] due to any ill intention.
The CJP questioned the five-day delay in registering of the FIR regarding the incident, also pointing out that the testimonies differed over the size and the place of the crowd which had gathered following the accusations against Aasia Bibi.
"Qari sahib says a crowd had gathered and then the FIR was registered. The testimonies of the villagers do not mention a crowd gathering. A lot of lies were told about a crowd having gathered.
"Had this been a normal case, we would have registered cases against the witnesses; we have shown a lot of patience."
At this, the lawyer admitted that there was "some difference" in the testimonies. "Difference? These are lies," replied the chief justice.
"Is this the picture of Islam that he [Qari sahib] wants to present? Are these the kind of witnesses [that should be presented in a case]?"
"There is a clear difference between the testimonies of all the witnesses, and yet you block all of Pakistan questioning why you did not get your way," the CJP reprimanded the lawyer.
"You blame us and say what kind of people are we [for acquitting Aasia] ... look at yourself, what kind of accusation have you made.
"We took into account the sensitivity of the case, otherwise we would have put the witnesses in jail for their false testimonies.
"Are we liable to be murdered now that we have executed justice? Is this Islam?
"If a judge says a testimony can't be trusted, that judge's verdict is not acceptable to you — because it is not in your favour?"
Reiterating what Chief Justice Khosa had asked multiple times during the hearing, Justice Isa asked: "Tell us what the flaw in the verdict is."
"We will not hear the case again," remarked the CJP. "We are hearing [the petition] for the satisfaction of those who gave fatwas [on the verdict] without reading it."
Protests reported in Karachi
Although no major reaction was reported across the country in response to the SC judgement, reports were received of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) workers gathering in parts of Karachi to protest the verdict in the evening.
Protesters were reported to have gathered at various spots in the city including Malir, Five Star Chowrangi, New Karachi and Orangi Town. TLP workers also staged a protest sit-in at Hub River Road in Baldia Town and at Tower.
However, police sources told Dawn that while the protesters tried to stage sit-ins in different parts of the city, they were not allowed to do so by the police, who dispersed them.
One TLP leader who did not want to be named claimed that "many people have been arrested". He claimed that police had resorted to using tear gas shelling, batons and firing to disperse protesters at Star Gate on main Sharea Faisal.
Tight security
A day earlier on Monday, the capital administration had made stringent security arrangements, including the deployment of paramilitary troops in Islamabad's sensitive areas.
In a letter written to the capital chief commissioner's office, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, the Islamabad district magistrate sought the deployment of Pakistan Rangers personnel in the city "to avoid any untoward incident" during the hearing of a "sensitive case" on January 29.
The magistrate suggested that the Rangers authorities be approached with the request to deploy quick response forces (QRFs) of the paramilitary force in aid of the civil administration to bolster the capital's security.
Review petition
The review petition filed by Qari Muhammad Salaam had pleaded the apex court to maintain the capital punishment awarded by the trial court to Aasia Bibi.
Qari Salaam is a prayer leader of a mosque who lives in a village in Nankana Sahib tehsil and had lodged the FIR about the alleged blasphemy incident.
On Oct 31 last year, a three-judge SC bench had reversed the judgements of the Lahore High Court (LHC) and the trial court thus setting aside the conviction and death sentence awarded to Aasia Bibi, who had been accused of committing blasphemy during an argument with a Muslim women in Sheikhupura in June 2009.
"Keeping in mind the evidence produced by the prosecution against the alleged blasphemy committed by the appellant, the prosecution has categorically failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt," the then chief justice Mian Saqib Nisar had written in the detailed judgment.
Editorial: A grave injustice avoided
Justice Khosa, in his note, had said: "Blasphemy is a serious offence but the insult of the appellant’s religion and religious sensibilities by the complainant party and then mixing truth with falsehood in the name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was also not short of being blasphemous."
Aasia Bibi's lawyer, Saiful Malook, who had received death threats and fled the country after his client's acquittal, returned to Islamabad to attend Tuesday's hearing.
The petitioners “have no case against my client, I am sure of that”, Malook told The Associated Press on Monday. He said he has asked authorities to provide him with personal security.
TLP threatens protests
Meanwhile, the TLP, which had led three-day-long mass protests against Bibi's acquittal in November, on Monday night rejected the SC bench formed to hear the review petition and threatened a protest movement if Bibi is given "judicial relief".
Most of the top TLP leadership, including its chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi, is presently imprisoned in the wake of a massive crackdown launched by law enforcement agencies against the religiopolitical group.
Read: What you need to know about Aasia Bibi's trial
In a video message, TLP's central acting emir Shafiq Amini had claimed that the government had promised them that a larger bench including Sharia court judges would be formed to hear the review petition against Bibi's acquittal. He demanded that a larger bench be formed after dissolving the current bench.
Asking TLP workers to "be prepared", Amini said: "No one should expect a compromise from our end".
The TLP had called off its protests last year after reaching an agreement with the government — the foremost condition of which was the placement of Bibi's name on the Exit Control List. The government, however, had only agreed to "initiate the legal process" to place her name on the list, while also agreeing that it would not oppose any review petitions being filed against the SC judgement.
Additional reporting by Shakeel Qarar and Javed Hussain in Islamabad, and Qazi Hassan and Imtiaz Ali in Karachi.
Comments (191) Closed
Sad! Damn sad... An unnecessary and protracted miscarriage of justice. Set her free!
Gordon D. Walker
Canada
Here we go again!
Now that the case has been decided by courts, I wish that people will focus on eradicating other ills from the society-honour killings, violence against women, fight for education, etc!
Canada is willing to give her asylum. Aasia Bibi has suffered a lot, let her be free.
Honorable Chief Justice of Pakistan. Would you please let this underprivileged woman go free? She has already suffered considerably fro the crime she has not done.
Where is now our leader Sheikh Rashid? He used to be active on these issues in the past!
Let the poor soul leave Pakistan, show mercy as a fellow human.
@Gordon D. Walker, come and get her
Important test for Imran Khan and naya pakistan
Government should BAN this TLP. Always creating trouble for Pakistan .
@Zeeshan, And you are head of ministry of immigration?
Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan are not the people. They are the main enemy of the people.
Who ever protests against court decision should be put in jail.
The women accusers lied to the police because of their dislike for her, This is strictly a legal and procedural matter not a religious matter.
Leave the poor woman alone. She has suffered enough.
Asia Bibi should be freed andd in order to save her from Mullas she should temporarily moved out of the country and allowed to return no sooner the conditions improve and the Mullas gain senses. And yes Khadim should remain behind the bars.
@Gordon D. Walker, What about the politicians who were set free on NRO!
Again test case for apex court of land. . All the best
Really we are living in this world. If justice is not served according to us then that is not justice. We don't want to listen NO. Which is dangerous for our future generation. We have to teach our kids if somebody say NO . It means NO.
Who's in charge PTI or TLP?
Lock them all up.
Punish any miscreant who harms any person or property.
@Zeeshan, and lead a peaceful life in Canada...
A real Man wanted!
Lock the mullahs instead
Somebody educate them, ask them to read supreme court's verdict, if they can't read, media should read it again and again so they listen and understand.. what is the minister of religious affairs doing in this regard??
my heartfelt prayers and love for Asia bibi, justice should prevail
@Zeeshan, Let not TLP dictate justice.
Set her free and also government should pay compensation for keeping her in jail since long time
Nothing will happen even if she is set free. I want her to be free also. And you know why? Because power behind these TLP is now not with them. As their motive was to use these forces against PMLN and now motive is achieved, so they can dispose of them like tissue paper.
Respect SC judgement and set her free, send her some European countries.
Instead of fighting real threats like poverty curruption social injustice TLP is fighting for some imaginary threats.The law enforcement agencies of Pakistan should strongly deal with these rouge elements.Peace in Pakistan is beneficial as well as a must-have requirement for the stability in the subcontinent.
She may please be sent abroad and her name be struck off from exit control list as soon as possible (Texas)
@Mak , ...no . The trouble creators were created by pakistan...purposefully.
Handle tlp workers with iron fist if they mess with SC and treat them lesson for uncivilised behaviour.
Let's see if IK govt caves into pressure or not.
Hope the judges stay strong and stick with their original decision. Any agreement with the TLP will mean returning to dark ages and un doing all the good things Imran is trying to do for the country.
@Gordon D. Walker, a very reasonable suggestin.
Set her free and give arrest orders for miscreants.
Senseless What a waste of time.
No innocent nor one who repents should suffer punishment.
Why some people are showing intolerance? If the person is innocent then accept it.
Is this a new Pakistan???? Whee is Imran khan and his Ministers. Why the case is being reopen after Supreme court verdict.
It is time of reckoning for us! I pray we come through this potentially ground-breaking phase with success against bigotry and prejudice.
@Mak , The opposition are a big stumbling block to development of Pakistan. They are not worried about the development related issues but they want to blow up this flimsy issue...
Why can not she travel?
I am amazed to see lot of comments suggesting her to take asylum in Europe/Canada. When you have a strong government, judicial system & army, why someone who is acquitted as innocent had to seek asylum? Why can't she stay safe & secure in her own country.
I do hope that this time , courts will decide on merits and with evidences . if she found guilty then must punish otherwise release her. catch culprits who made wrong objection on her.
@Denny, Agreed.
@Nadeem Yousuf, Not really. The verdict, in coercion type of command, a came from abroad. It sets a precedent and de facto annuls the Constitution of Pakistan.
Wonderdul. Shes free, finally. Thanks to Pakistani judiciary.
Way to go ! Now let's move on, let this be a message that no one is above the Law of the land.
@Gordon D. Walker, She is already free. Why is it sad. The Judicial system has improved and not pressured to make a decision where there isn't any proof.
what a waste of Supreme court time. No wonder so many cases are pending.
@Lea, Urdu Print Media of Pakistan must print whole judgment in URDU.
@Texan, What IK can do about this ? Govt's writ should be maintained with an IRON FIST !
@Ashleigh Root , You mean he should pay for it in like manner for corrupting justice.
@Nex Gen, What a mind boggling theory , but alas without any substance !
Real problem are those people who are ready to take law in their hand to harm the lady. It will be intriguing to see how government handle those people.
Thank you Pakistan Supreme Court.
Please set her free. She has already suffered a lot. Give her protection, thanks
The correct thing has been finally been done ...... what is sad is that the misuse of the law has not as yet been addressed by our lawmakers.
@Denny, that’s a million dollar question!
So what about the women who insulted Aasia's religion, and then abused the blasphemy law by lying about her? They have offended Islam more by dragging the religion into a petty personal dispute. Why aren't they behind bars right now?
People who are responsible for her incarceration for many years are roaming free, while this poor woman had to suffer for so many years, this is a very sad reflection of Pakistan as a nation, of our justice system, of how we treat our minorities, of how we treat our women folk, of how we misuse the law. We should bow our heads in shame.
Congratulations Pakistan.
A delayed Justice...
A brave decision by the Court.
@Gordon D. Walker, No need to be sad... Justice is served according to Islamic principles here. Would you ever cry for the injustices in Palestine, Kashmir, India, China, Myanmaar ..???
Let her go and pursue those who are responsible for the torment and suffering of this poor woman.
She was asked to fetch water, but the Muslim women objected, saying that as a non-Muslim she was unfit to touch the water bowl. A few days later the women went to a local cleric and put forward the blasphemy allegations. This is the clear cut case of blasphemy done by Musliom women towards Aasia bibi . That Muslim women should be arrested and punished by law and Aasia bibi should given compensation for un necessary suffering and harassment by govt and public agencies
The religious sentiments and the card used is a huge liability and a burden on any country waning to progress.
@Denny, because due to faulty justice system she had already lost the precious 8 years of life in jail
@Gordon D. Walker,
Well said Gordon,
The complete story and ending scene of this drama we knew from the begining.
@raja, Nothing to do with Imran Khan or Naya Pakistan. This is the matter which Independent judiciary has decided.
Naya Pakistan indeed. the judges are heroes ..they should be appreciated.. Now we see how the.govt deals.with tlp
@Denny, Because power can enforce injustice only for so long. Truth eventually powers over falsehood.
@Ashleigh Root , Serious read the headline, the petition was dismissed she is free.
Hope this case will be closed once and for all now.
@Denny, An acquittal without the process of law amounts to injustice. And everyone knows what has happened here even though they have not the power to say it out loud.
Islam always promote the humanity,peace and tolerance in the society. Islam protects the minorities rights especially the one they lived in Muslim countries. Regarding to the case of Asia, it has been properly processed by all the courts with proper investigation.plea has been proven guilty with proper evidences. The Apex court is taking keen interest in manipulating the evidence and decisions against her. Muslims would never be tolerated the disrespectful evidence, this could might leading to create the uncontrollable mess all over the country. The higher authorities will be solely responsible for any unexpected situation.
@Vishal Kumar, She appears not to be innocent. The Pakistani people know that fact and anyone who knows the process of law knows what has been done in contravention of facts and justice.
@Texan, But the IK government has already succumbed to pressure, foreign pressure that is. This is well known, well understood.
It may be a sheer coincidence that on the day Dawn carried the article of Dr Niaz titled ' A regional laggard', outlining the reasons for Pakistan lagging behind most of its neighbours, the judgement reaffirming the earlier ruling setting free the Christian woman accused falsely of blasphemy has come. For Pakistan to show that it has come of age, it should now allow this woman and her family to live in peace and quietly move out of Pakistan, if they wish. Most importantly, there should be no violent protests against the ruling. I congratulate the Hon'ble Judges over their decision and I am really impressed with the mature response of your readers. Hopefully this will spread to their reactions in response to Indo-Pak developments leading to a thaw and more friendly bilateral ties, for which the voice of reason should gain the upper hand on both sides of the aisle.
The true JUSTICE will be: when she is compensated for the miseries she suffered with in last 8-9 years and people responsible for giving fictitious testimonies are charged.
@HA, I think you didn't get the verdict. Read again.
Stand up for the Justice done!!
Sad and shocking is the fact that the lies of the Sri called witnesses are not punished. There should be the same severe punishment for wrong allegations as for the alleged blasphemy.
This leniency towards wrong allegations is the reason for this chaos in Pakistan.
Punish those who lied in court.
Great decision. Only thing remaining is awarding compensatory damages to Aasia Bibi for unjustified incarceration and relocating her to a safe place. A Rs ten lakh per each year of her incarceration is very reasonable.
Congratulations to the CJP for sticking to the principles of justice.
We should strive to progress in 21st century , not push the country back in medieval ages of the tribes justice.
I am very much excited for her acquittal.Feeling very proud to be a Muslim.Thanks to CJP.....nice and heart touching words.
All so called (liar) witnesses should face jail. An innocent lady languished in jail for 9 years, just because she belonged to a minority religion. This weirdo Qari Salaam and his followers should face jail too, because they won't like any judgement which isn't as per their wish. I am sure Jinnah didn't expect Pakistan will be run by such mullahs.
A case should be registered against the qari who brought this false accusations against Asia and wasted and held hostage the nation A good and just decision but must follow with charges against the liars
The Justice has been clear and objective in its judgement!
Well Done SC
All Christians in pakistan and other minorities who aren’t happy there should be freely moved to Western countries. Then we can concentrate on what matters. Welcome!
Fantastic news.. salaam to the respected judges
@Denny, "I am amazed to see lot of comments suggesting her to take asylum in Europe/Canada. When you have a strong government, judicial system & army, why someone who is acquitted as innocent had to seek asylum? Why can't she stay safe & secure in her own country."
Isn't it funny that none of the 56 countries - the lands of "justice, honey and milk", will take the unfortunate lady? It is interesting that the mullahs want to create exactly this sort of the world where they decide what is wrong and right
Good decision.
Good decision by the Court. Now anyone from among the media, politicians or religious elements using the issue for vested interests must be handled with due force of the law.
@Kamal,
Sheikh Rashid never had anything to do with this case. You are confused or trying to confuse others.
@siddha,
Protest is everybody's right as long as it is within the bounds of the law.
Well done Supreme Court.
It is imperative Pakistan embrace it’s founder’s vision of a secular state, rather than encourage religious extremism.
So happy, I'm so happy because this is the real Islam which our Sufism spread justice first!
Love to our Pakistani Christian sister from a your fellow Pakistani Muslim brother.
Chief Khosa thank you for justice for our sister.
@hanifsmile,
What a petty remark Mr. Hanif!
Rare good news out of Pakistan after a long time. Exhilarating and encouraging to see the Pakistan supreme court issuing the correct judgement without being influenced or intimidated, by mullahs and fanatic public opinion.The Blasphemy law in Pakistan is unjustly used to settle personal scores, gain economic advantage over a competitor, or for publicity for oneself in the religious or political arena. The case against Aasia Bibi seemed trumped up from the word go, and yet she spent 8 long years suffering in prison and away from her family, due to no fault of her own.. She needs to be compensated handsomely, while those who bore false charges and testimony against her need to be fined and punished to set an example.
Justice delayed is justice denied. The state has earned a bad name in her case. Now each & every christian in the world knows who Aasia Noreen is.
The dilemma wich still persists is that she can't live in Pakistan anymore for security reasons. This mindset needs to be amended.
Depleting numbers of Minorities portrays a very bad image for the country and religion. Can't we learn to be a bit more tolerant?
She will NEVER forget..........
@Denny, are you really so innocent about Pakistan or just being sarcastic? And now not pointing to you there really are many people out there who are more interested in their political and ill wishes against Pakistan where they will not let go any chance to make fun of the country which is fighting on many fronts
At last truth won, she was wrongfully confined.
Expanding circular ripples have become waves of hearsay in a sea of ignorance and reached unimaginable proportions of expanse and heights (actually lows) when a tiny pebble of personal malice starts it all. How much damage it has already done on all fronts including the all important 'truth', do even some care? Start educating your people, including 'adults', particularly adults, b/c it is already too late for children.
She should be free
What happens to the people who accused her??
Justice served. Everyone should respect it.
@ZAK, Indian set her free??
"We took into account the sensitivity of the case, otherwise we would have put the witnesses in jail for their false testimonies.
"Are we liable to be murdered now that we have executed justice? Is this Islam?
Two thumbs up!!! Proud of being a Pakistani today.. long live justice!!!
@siddha,
"We took into account the sensitivity of the case, otherwise we would have put the witnesses in jail for their false testimonies." Said the CJP
@Asif jamil,
"We took into account the sensitivity of the case, otherwise we would have put the witnesses in jail for their false testimonies." Said the CJP
@Vishal Kumar, Wish it was that simple...!!!!
@Fatima, Kindly elaborate what you think matters.
Thankyou Judge Sahib for upholding the truth, for standing with the truth. Humanity exists is Pakistan. From an Indian.
@Fatima,
First of all, all hate mongers should be expelled from Pakistan who are telling other fellow citizens to leave the country. The only question is who on earth would accept you and your united-in-hate brethren? No sane country would do that. So the only option for the state is to defend the liberty of all citizens irrespective of their faith. And fight all who want to create unrest.
We have to accept the SC verdict and move forward. There is no need to point scoring and inciting people for personal gains and politically motivated reasons.
Right decision
Right Decision.
Ideally the state should provide some compensation to the poor women for spending so much of time in jail on a false allegation.
Well done Pakistan. Good decision.
@Anjum, Los Angeles, "But the IK government has already succumbed to pressure, foreign pressure that is. This is well known, well understood" What IK government has to do with the case being heard by the highest Court ? Dear Anjum we are living in a democratic country not in Los Angeles where courts are being directed by sitting Governments !
Excellent decision by Supreme Court, Pakistan, now she should be allowed to go where she like to!
CJP GREAT SERVICE , THANK YOU.
A great decision. An honourable decision A welcome decision. Now those giving false cruel testimony should bear full force of law for wasting so much cost and time and causing Pakistan so much anguish in the comity of nations just because a bunch of religious bigots.
The JUSTICE is done. The uneducated woman may not know how talk but she will not insult the religion.
Keep her safe and keep her in Pakistan if we respect our democracy
A landmark decision to uphold justice for weak and down trodden .
Justice is done! Rule of law wins! Congratulation!
I think this Qari sahib has to put in jail for few years for creating such a mess in the country. He also must be ordered to pay the victim Aasia Bibi, all his money for the injustice caused to her by his lies.
Bold, nice, correct and most satisfactory judgement.
I appreciate.
@iqbal, while that may not happen, this at least makes a profound announcement from the Apex Court... That irrespective of who one may be, the law of land will be upheld. I am only hoping it served a real message. And I am so happy to read that normal Pakistani people want everything to be done right... Alaska we have problem with that thought on either side of the aisle. Respect to Pakistani Supreme Court and three thumbs up from an Indian
First Qari sahib should spend many years in jail and next any TLP trouble maker should be forcefully dealt with without any fear of favour.
It is very sad that poor lady spent precious 10 years of her life behind bars for no fault. Her innocent children did not get mothers love. Pakistan definitely need to re-visit the whole episode and take corrective action in the interest of its citizens
Who is going to give her 9 years of her life back. The state owes her a big compensation!
Right decision by the SC.
Set her free!
Now Arrest &punish the accusers.
A bold,courageous and right decision by the Supreme Court.
Good, now just send her to Canada.
Great going Pakistan..
If she is innocent than she is innocent. Courts are free and fair.
Thankyou, Supreme Court of Pakistan!
Thank you, Mr. Justice
Rid the country of these so-called mullahs that have destroyed the culture of our beloved Pakistan.
CJP Justice Khosa has make every body in Indian sub continent proud.
@Gordon D. Walker,
She is free now, I am so glad. Hats off to Supreme Court of Pakistan. Illiterate people using religion.
@Syed Hussain Akbari, She must be compensated for spending 10 years in jail also.
CJP stated: ""We took into account the sensitivity of the case, otherwise we would have put the witnesses in jail for their false testimonies."
Please put these lying witnesses behind bars so it would deter others from lying in the future!
Long live Pakistan. Let's make it a model country for minorities to live freely and prosper!
Excellent decision from the top court, beautiful!
Great decision. Thank you CJ. But SC should have ordered to arrest so called mullah Qari Salaam to put him behind bars for the same years Aasia Bibi was in jail. It would have warned mullahs in Pakistan NOT to misuse and abuse blasphemy law against innocent people.
Now that is called as justice. You made all of us proud SC.
India's SC must take a note of this judgement and decide Ayodya case
I really appreciate the action of Pakistan SC
This poor woman should be given compensation for being detained for almost 9 years on a false acquisition, as it is proven to be false now by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.Her life and of her family shattered for so long, who will pay the price, otherwise?
Punish the false accusers because they are the ones who created and uttered the disrespectful phrases and caused mischief with serious consequences.
@Fatima, 100% agree with you.
Give the same punishment to liars.
Justice at last. The nation sometimes becomes hostage to a minority of twisted extremists.
Hats Off!
Next time the SC should file cases against all those who implicate people wrongfully in blasphemy cases. Let's teach mullahs a life-time lesson.
Good decision. The punjab governor Taseer was assasinated due to this false case. What a tragedy.
What an impressive role played by the judges! Respect!!!
Bravo judges. You are the real heroes.
@Fatima, so enlighten us as to what matters!
@Khalid, true, but who will bell the cat?
@Altaf Ahemed Ansari, There is a legal right to appeal every decision, or file a review petition to the Supreme Court. But this specific order has now forever sealed it, by stating that the Court will not entertain any further reviews on this matter.
Salute to the Judges of the Supreme Court for dispensing Justice in this sensitive case.
S.K. Hasan Canada
@Kulsoom, Very true. A decision open and transparent based on the process of law does not need guns to back it. Truth stands on its own.
Innocent, let her go free.
Supreme court is requested into to details of several alleged blasphemy victims lodged in jails for decades.
Truth always prevails. Thanks and cudos to SC Judges who upheld the humanity.
@Gordon D. Walker, please take all of them living in Pakistan to canada. By the way Canada is a big country, isn't?
The only hope of Pakistan , the Judiciary.
Salute to Chief Justice and team for upholding the truth.
Awesome Proud of you SC Pakistan
A great day for Pakistan. A bold and right decision by the SC. False witnesses must be awarded long term sentences.
I don’t know if I read the article correct or if I misinterpreted the comments below. But from what I read below it seems like as if the SC reinstated the punishment. But looking at the article it seems like the court rightfully continued to uphold its previous decision of acquitting her. So not really sure people are complaining below.
Justice has prevailed.
The judges have spoken. This woman should be set free.
"live" or "leave" will be question?