Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan addressed the nation through a televised on Wednesday, in which PM Imran Khan fully backed the Supreme Court in its verdict in Asia Bibi case, saying that the court’s decision was according to the constitution.

“Pakistan was the second state that was created in the name of Islam and its law is based on the Islamic law,” Imran Khan said, adding that the Supreme Court (SC) followed that law in their verdict of Asia Bibi case. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman fully backed the SC’s decision and condemned the protests being held across the country against the verdict, while expressing sadness over the kind of language being used against the state institutions.

“The kind of language being used was appalling. They are urging the generals to rebel against the army chief and the government, while they are calling for the head of the SC judges,” the PM said. He added that they were just trying to ignite chaos in the country while the government is working day and night in getting the country out of the prevalent crisis.

“These protesters are not ‘protecting’ Islam; they are just trying to fill their vote banks. They are enemies of the state that are doing politics in the name of the religion,” the PTI chairman said. Imran Khan also said that the protests were affecting the local public by the closure of roads. “People cannot get to their jobs. A labourer, who had to get to his work place and would be unable to feed his children because of this,” he added.

Ending the address, PM Imran Khan asked the nation not to listen to such elements while urging the protestors to stop igniting anarchy in the country and warned them of strict action. “Do not force the government to take action. Do not clash with the state or hurt the country only for political gains,” he concluded.

Eariler, the SC acquitted Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death over blasphemy allegations. A three-judge special bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and comprising Justice Asif Saeed Khosa and Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel heard Bibi’s 2014 appeal against her conviction and death sentence under section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

Justice Nisar while reading out the verdict said, “The appeal is allowed. She has been acquitted. The judgement of the high court as well as trial court is reversed. Her conviction is set aside.” The judgment added, “Asia Bibi should immediately be released if she is not involved in any other case.”