Abbottabad: Chinese national, arrested on charges of blasphemy was shifted from Upper Kohistan to Abbottabad in Pakistan Army helicopter afternoon over safety fears, Komila Station House Officer Naseeruddin said.

Accused who works at Dasu Hydropower Project was taken into custody by Komila Police on Sunday night after labourers at site accused him of blasphemy. SHO Naseeruddin, while confirming arrest said that first information report had been registered against Chinese national at Komila Police Station.

Complaint invokes Section 295-C [use of derogatory remarks, etc., in respect of Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him)] of Pakistan Penal Code. It was registered on complaint of Gulistan and Yasir both of whom are heavy vehicle drivers. Complaint said that on Sunday night police official Jehanzeb was informed about mob trying to break into Chinese camp near Barseen. It stated that locals had staged protest and damaged camp’s site number 6. “After receiving information, police party reached site, took control of area and safely shifted accused to Komila Police Station,” complaint said.

However, it stated that in early hours of Monday, large number of people reached Komila and once again blocked Karakoram Highway. They chanted slogans. Later opened Karakoram Highway.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 18 2023

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