ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Thursday justified the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Aasia Bibi case, asking how the court could convict a person in the absence of substantial evidence of the charge.

“No one should have the doubt that the Supreme Court judges are not lovers of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). We are ready to sacrifice our lives for the Prophet’s (PBUH) honour. We are judges not only for Muslims, but for all citizens of the country,” Justice Nisar asserted. “How can we punish someone in the absence of evidence?”

The observations were made during the hearing of the government’s plea seeking appointment of a new inspector general (IG) of Islamabad police in view of the emerging law and order situation and came a day after a religio-political group incited people against the judiciary and the army following the acquittal of Aasia Bibi in the blasphemy case.

“We began our judgement with the first Kalma. We do not love the Prophet (PBUH) any less than anyone else. We have judges on our bench who are used to reciting Durood Sharif. Our faith is incomplete without faith in our Holy Prophet (PBUH),” Justice Nisar said.

Asks how court can convict a person in the absence of substantial evidence of the charge

He wondered if the judgement had been read in detail by someone, adding that the verdict dwelt in detail on faith in the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He said the judgement had also been authored in Urdu so that an ordinary citizen could read and understand it.

“I have not seen God, but I recognised Him through the Prophet’s (PBUH) dignity and truthfulness,” he said, asking if everybody would have to provide proof of his faith. He said the difference between faith and evidence should be understood.

Addressing the attorney general, the chief justice also referred to the remarks made by Prime Minister Imran Khan about the prevailing situation.

Following a strong reaction of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) to Aasia Bibi’s acquittal, PM Khan had in address to the nation on Wednesday said the protesters were not serving the cause of Islam, adding that in a bid to increase their vote bank, the protesters were damaging the country’s interest. He had also warned them against confronting the state. “Do not take us to the point where we are left with no other option but to act.”

The prime minister assured the nation that the state would fulfil its responsibility and protect the life and property of the citizens. He had asked people not to be misled by the propaganda of the elements using negative tactics to achieve political mileage.

The chief justice observed that it was the responsibility of the government to tackle the situation. “I and the bench [members] are all lovers of the Prophet (PBUH),” Justice Nisar remarked during the hearing of a separate case on Thursday.

On Wednesday, a three-judge SC bench had overturned the death sentence awarded to Aasia Bibi and ordered her immediate release from jail after around eight years.

Aasia Bibi was awarded capital punishment by a trial court in November 2010 for committing alleged blasphemy during an altercation with a Muslim woman in Sheikhupura over a glass of water in June 2009. The Lahore High Court upheld the decision in its 2014 ruling, which was reversed by the apex court after hearing her appeal.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2018