News Desk |
Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed the nation on Wednesday evening as the situation on the roads got worse owing to the protest and demonstrations in various cities of Pakistan after the SC’s announcement to release Asia Bibi– a Christian woman on death row, accused of Blasphemy.
In his speech, PM Khan said he was compelled to communicate to the nation as small segment used abusive language and threatened the judiciary, institutes and writ of the government. In his brief address, he made it clear that the government of Pakistan functions on the rules of Islam and verdict given by Supreme Court was no contrary either.
He appealed to the protestors not to challenge the authority of government and exploit the occasion for their political vested interests. He sternly warned the extremist elements not to clash with the state.
Read more: Understanding Asia Bibi case: Acquitted from blasphemy death sentence
“I appeal to you, don’t harm this country in order to [increase your] vote bank. If you continue doing this… let me make it clear to you… the state will fulfil its duty [and] protect people’s properties and lives. We will not allow any vandalism [or] blockage of traffic,” the premier said.
“I appeal to you… do not take the state to a point where it has no option but to take action,” he concluded. Majority of the analysists applauded the clear and bold message of PM Khan.
This #PMIKAddress was what Jinnah envisaged for Pakistan. It took us seventy years to reconcile with his vision and @ImranKhanPTI said it categorically
— Mubashir Zaidi (@Xadeejournalist) October 31, 2018
What an excellent and to the point speech by PM Imran Khan…. clear message to all those bigots who want to destablise Pakistan for their own gains…
— Shahzeb Khanzada (@shazbkhanzdaGEO) October 31, 2018
PM Imran Khan made an unusually bold speech & request to Islamist factions; but he won't succeed in calming down the turbulence on streets if opposition parties quietly, behind the scenes, supported Maulana Fazal ul Rehman's frustrated moves; a broad consensus is needed
— Moeed Pirzada (@MoeedNj) November 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/Babar_Sattar/status/1057648290500673536
First time in the history of #Pakistan we have the rulers Alhamdulillah who do not hide themselves in such situations. @ImranKhanPTI #ImranKhanPrimeMinister
— Nadia Mirza (@nadia_a_mirza) October 31, 2018
Michael Kugelman, a Pakistan expert at the Woodrow Wilson Centre for Scholars in Washington, praised PM Khan’s strong rebuke to hardliners and said, ”Even PM Khan’s harshest critics can’t fault him for this speech, which marks a major milestone for the country.
Imran Khan's speech to the nation, which has delivered a strong and defiant rebuke to religious hardliners, suggests that the state may finally be changing course in terms of how it deals with these dangerous and destabilizing elements. It's another century for IK. #Pakistan
— Michael Kugelman (@MichaelKugelman) October 31, 2018
All this said, I must put on my skeptical analyst hat & say that talk is good, but what happens next-in terms of action-is much more consequential.
Still, bottom line: Even PM Khan's harshest critics can't fault him for this speech, which marks a major milestone for the country.— Michael Kugelman (@MichaelKugelman) October 31, 2018
Citizens of Pakistan strongly supported the stance of PM Khan and were grateful to him for not hesitating to confront the bigots.
A big man occupying a big office. Pakistan is proud of you Prime minister Imran Khan.
'Riyasat se mat takrana'#PMIKAddress #AsiaBibi pic.twitter.com/IEXQlyZUOm
— Asfandyar Bhittani🇵🇰 (@AsfandBhittani) October 31, 2018
Khan Sb you nailed it!!! You’re not just a politician but a leader with guts to stand against these goons. #PMIKAddress
— Syed Raza Mehdi (@SyedRezaMehdi) October 31, 2018
#PMIKAddress This is how a nation's leader speak!
Clear message!
The thugs cannot hijack this country in the name of Islam and they will be treated accordingly if they mess with the state! #PakistanZindabad
— Imran Ghazali | #DigitalStrategy (@ImranGhazaliPK) October 31, 2018
Some PML-N handles were found to be trying to support the TLP mostly due to political compulsions. Ironically, they seemed to have whitewashed the shoe attack on Nawaz Sharif as well as the gun attack on Ahsan Iqbal. Though typically all of their tweets centered around disinformation.
Associating the honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan’s decision with a meeting chaired by PM is fake, baseless and misleading. It is tantamount to inciting violence and unrest. The case is being referred to FIA Cyber Crime for further necessary action. pic.twitter.com/6y3GZ151kV
— Fact Checker MoIB (@FactCheckerMoIB) November 1, 2018
However, a majority still backed the PTI government and its words were well received.
https://twitter.com/st_aubrun/status/1057872918225522688
Excellent speech by PM Imran Khan,gave a shut up call to those who want to disrupt the country.
— Mirza Iqbal Baig (@mirzaiqbal80) October 31, 2018