Protests after acquittal of a sentenced Christian in Pakistan

Protesters have blocked roads in Pakistan for the second day in a row. They are furious because the Christian Asia Bibi has been acquitted of blasphemy by the Supreme Court. Prime Minister Imran Khan has warned protesters not to go too far.

Bibi spent about eight years on the death row because she would have insulted the Prophet Muhammad during a row with neighbours. The Supreme Court ruled yesterday that it should be released. This led to division in Pakistani society. The radical Islamic TLP party has mobilized its supporters to protest against the verdict.

Groups of demonstrators today again blocked roads in major cities such as Lahore as Karachi. Prime Minister Khan said in a speech on television last night that his government will take action against protracted blockades. “I call on you not to force the state into action,” he warned the demonstrators.