Pakistan-Christians-lawyer-670-ap
Tahir Naveed Chaudhry, the lawyer of a Christian girl accused of blasphemy, talks to media after a court hearing in Islamabad, Pakistan on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. — Photo by AP

ISLAMABAD: A local court in Islamabad heard the case pertaining to a girl who had been accused of blasphemy adjourned the hearing to Sept 1, DawnNews reported.

The case was heard in the court of district and sessions judge Islamabad Justice Jawad Abbas.

The court issued notices to the state and the complainant over the bail application.

The complainant's lawyer said that the legal procedure was not being followed in the girl's case who he said was being tried under the Juvenile Justice System Ordinance (2000).

The complainant's lawyer objected to the girl's medical test saying that it was carried out before the court could have ordered one.

The lawyer for the girl disagreed and said that the test was conducted by a panel of eminent doctors.

The court subsequently adjourned the hearing to Sept 1.

A large number of people belonging to the Christian community,civil society and international media were present at the court's premises.

Strict security measures were also employed on the occasion.

The girl belonging to the Christian community who is said to be suffering from Down's Syndrome has been held since Aug 16 under the strict blasphemy laws, prompting concern from Western governments, the Vatican and rights groups.

On Monday, she was taken from prison to a hospital for tests to determine how old she was, a senior doctor told AFP, after conflicting reports about her age.

The medics’ report said that based on factors including her height, build and teeth, the girl appeared to be “approximately 14 years”, and gave details of her apparent mental abilities.

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.