AMN / ISLAMABAD

Protests continue in Pakistan for the third day today over the Supreme Court decision acquitting a Christian woman Asia Bibi for alleged blasphemy.

The Army has warned protesters not to test their patience. Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor told PTV that a government team is holding talks with the protesters.

He asked the protesters to end the three-day long standoff peacefully to avoid the use of force.

Asia Bibi, a 47-year-old mother of four, was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting Islam in a row with her neighbours. She always maintained her innocence, but has spent most of the past eight years in solitary confinement.

The Supreme court’s judgement, which was pronounced Wednesday, triggered protests across Pakistan. Several major roads in Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi and other cities were blocked and educational institutions closed. Mobile phone and Internet services also remained suspended in major cities today.