Asiya Bibi verdict: TLP calls for mutiny against Pak Army chief

Hours after the Pakistan Supreme Court acquitted Asiya Bibi in a blasphemy case, the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, an Islamist political party has called for rebellion against the Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

TLP leader Azfal Qadri said, "The Muslim generals of the army, it is their responsibility to launch a rebellion against Bajwa. Even the judges (who delivered the verdict) should be sentenced to death. The Imran Khan government should be ousted and he should leave Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party."

Earlier today, Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Mian Saqib Nisar read out the verdict and overturned a lower court's order which awarded a death sentence to Asiya.

A three-judge special bench headed by Justice Nisar and comprising Justice Asif Saeed Khosa and Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel heard Bibi's 2014 appeal against her conviction and death sentence.

After the verdict was announced, scores of TLP supporters took to streets in several parts of Pakistan and launched massive protests opposing the verdict.

According to Samaa TV, protestors, including workers of political parties, gathered outside the Punjab Assembly in Lahore after pronouncement of the verdict.

As many as 21 roads including G.T. Road have been blocked by demonstrators. The roadblocks have led to traffic snarls in several parts of Pakistan, after which diversions have been put in place to ease the situation.

The protests also witnessed violent outbursts as agitators burned tyres in several areas of Karachi.

In the wake of widespread protests, the Punjab Home Department has imposed Section 144 in the province till November 10, barring gatherings in public places.

Asiya a Christian woman, was convicted and sentenced to death in 2010 in connection to a blasphemy case for her alleged comments against Prophet Mohammed during an argument with three Muslim women.