Islamabad: A Chinese national arrested on charges of blasphemy in Pakistan has been released from a high-security prison. Officials said on Friday that an anti-terrorism court had granted him bail. The court’s decision came when China’s new premier Li Xiang spoke to his Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday. The suspect, Tian, was granted bail on Thursday by Judge Sajjad Ahmed of the Anti-Terrorism Court in northwestern Abbottabad city on a bond of Rs 200,000. He was later taken to an undisclosed location for security reasons.
Citing the section dealing with blasphemy, the judge said the case did not fall within the purview of “reasonable grounds” as the allegation of blasphemy was “the result of a misunderstanding”. He said the concerned police station in Kohistan had registered a “false case” against the Chinese national. According to reports, the court said that as per the records, the accused did not commit any such offence, hence he is granted bail. The Chinese national was arrested in Upper Kohistan district on April 16 after a mob blocked the Karakoram Highway alleging that he had argued with laborers over taking long breaks to offer prayers at the project site. Was blasphemed during.
It has been said in the news that two lawyers represented the petitioner in the court. The Chinese national was not brought to the court due to security reasons. “China helps Pakistan to build financial stability and hopes that Pakistan will continue to create a conducive environment to guarantee the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in Pakistan,” said Chinese premier Chiang, who took office in March. He was referring to the frequent terrorist attacks on Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In reference to Li’s comments, Sharif said, “Pakistan will make every effort to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects in its country.” Under the Pakistan Penal Code, blasphemy is punishable by death or life imprisonment. There is provision.
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