PM chairs federal cabinet meeting

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday chaired an emergency meeting of the federal cabinet, ahead of his departure to China.

The cabinet discussed the overall law and order situation in the country arising out of the Supreme Court’s (SC) verdict in the Aasiya Bibi blasphemy case. Roads have been blocked and educational institutes have been closed as protests by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) workers against the verdict have paralysed daily life in various cities of the country.

The cabinet also discussed the economic and political matters. The prime minister also took the cabinet into confidence over his upcoming visit to China.

Earlier on Wednesday, PM Imran had appealed to the nation to remain vigilant against those who incite violence, warning that the state will take action against the violators to fulfil its duty of protecting the people.

“The state will fulfil its responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of people and take strict action against violators.” the premier had said.

He also said the reaction on the SC’s decision in Aasiya Bibi case by a small segment of society was inappropriate.