Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari is facing security concerns following a strongly worded statement issued by the defunct Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
The statement, issued on September 4, came in response to Minister Bukhari’s remarks on the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) amendment.
Bukhari had suggested that a provision allowing in-camera trials could be applied to blasphemy cases under Section 295-C to protect the accused from mob violence.
In its press release, the TLP termed the suggestion a conspiracy to facilitate those accused of blasphemy and warned that anyone crossing what it called a “red line” on the matter “will become a lesson.”
The party also cited past grievances against the PML-N, including the execution of Mumtaz Qadri, a 2014 agreement with the EU regarding blasphemy laws, and the recent sentencing of its Central Vice President Pir Syed Zahir Hassan Shah.
Security analysts say the rhetoric warrants heightened vigilance by law enforcement agencies regarding the minister’s security.
