Chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar has said blasphemy accused Aasia Bibi ‘was trapped’ without any proofs and that sending her abroad for protection would be tantamount to failure of the state. The CJP, who is currently in London, expressed these views on November 22 while visiting the British Parliament where he was welcomed by British lawmakers of Pakistani origin – Afzal Khan and Faisal Rasheed.

According to a TV channel, the CJP said Aasia Bibi – who was absolved of blasphemy charges by the apex court on October 31 – should get full protection in Pakistan rather than abroad.

“Providing her security is responsibility of the government; it is responsibility of the state of Pakistan to protect life and property of every citizen. If Aasia Bibi is sent abroad or given asylum in any other country it will be failure of the government and the state,” he said.

The CJP, who headed the bench that set the Christian woman free, said every possible effort should be done to provide Bibi more and more protection in Pakistan. “If we set such an example, the chain will continue,” he added.

To a question about putting her name on the Exit Control List (ECL), he said it is not a suitable time to express his thoughts on this question as the case could be brought to his court. “I assure you, however, that our law has no such provision. The judiciary will not give any illegal judgement about it,” he added.

When asked as to why the Supreme Court did not take notice of the recent sit-ins and protest that erupted in the wake of its October 31 verdict in Aasia Bibi case, he said: “Just wait for a few days and you will get the answer to this question.”