Government will not use force against protesters: Afridi

Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi has said the government will not use force against protesters who have been protesting against the acquittal of Aasia Bibi and will resolve the matter peacefully through dialogue.
He expressed these views while talking to the media here at his chamber at the Parliament House on Friday. "I am hundred percent sure that we will be able to resolve the matter through dialogue. We are in constant contact with those who are leading the protests. We will not use force, but if there is any violence then the state will enforce its writ and take proactive measures to ensure safety and security of the people and property," the minister said The people have been continuously protesting across the country since Wednesday last against the Supreme Court's decision that acquitted Aasia in a blasphemy case.
About the decision to hold talks with the protesters, the minister said, "We are receiving positive messages from Wafaq-ul-Madaris and the people from all schools of thought. We are also in harmony with the opposition parties as well as all stakeholders."
He said all decisions are being taken through consultations, adding that they are working as a team. "Even right now, our team is conducting meetings with the chief ministers and home ministers of the provinces," he added. Regarding the Supreme Court's verdict, Afridi said, "The decision upholds that no blasphemy was proven and we should be happy about that."
He said the Supreme Court has given a verdict in the Aasia Bibi blasphemy case after thorough examination, adding that nobody should question the judgement of the top court of the state. He said all stakeholders love and uphold that there can be no compromise on respect for the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).
Afridi said that the opposition and the government are on the same page on the matter and that Prime Minister Imran Khan who is in China at present is being updated constantly in this regard. He said, "In the past, when there was Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, then prime minister Nawaz Sharif used to take his younger brother Shahbaz Sharif to China but this time the Balochistan chief minister is accompanying the Prime Minister and this is Naya Pakistan."