Govt distances itself from review petition against Asia Bibi

PTI government has clarified that it has nothing to do with the review petition and it has not placed Asia’s name on the ECL and does not plan to do so, despite rumours circulating to the contrary.

Review petition, a legal right exercised by an individual, accepted by the court. Protests/ violence instead of a legal course was unacceptable. No one can take law into hands and govt shall ensure writ of the state as Expressed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) November 1, 2018

The Federal Government has no plans to put Asia Bibi’s name of the Exit Control List (ECL), the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) official account tweeted on Thursday.

“Federal Government has no plan to put Aasia Bibi’s name on ECL or appeal for a review against the court’s verdict. A review petition is been filed by the concerned party which has nothing to do with the government” the tweet read.

Federal Government has no plan to put Aasia Bibi’s name on ECL or appeal for a review against the court’s verdict. A review petition is been filed by the concerned party which has nothing to do with the government.

— PTI (@PTIofficial) November 1, 2018

Federal Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari tweeted that a protester had filed the petition in the Supreme Court and demanded that Asia Bibi’s name be placed on the ECL. “Government has nothing to do with both these moves. Petition and its prayers are between SC and petitioner. PM’s position has been clear,” Mazari said.

Some correction to clear media confusion: A protestor has filed a Review Petition in SC & in that demanded Asiya BB's name be put on ECL – Govt has nothing to do with both these moves. Review Petition and it's prayers are between SC and petitioner. PM's position has been clear.

— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 1, 2018

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court’s Lahore registry calling for a reversal of the court’s verdict acquitting Asia Bibi. In the review plea, the petitioner urged the court to have Asia Bibi put on the ECL and barred from leaving the country until a decision on the petition.