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Charges framed against Yousuf for alleged blasphemy

RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: A civil judge Mian Jehangir on Thursday framed charges against one Yousaf, allegedly claiming himself to be a prophet.

The judge also directed the Interior Ministry to place his name on the Exit Control List (ECL) and adjourned the proceedings for March 1.

The accused, however, denied the charges and termed them as 'fake and baseless.'

The judge also exempted Yousaf from appearing before the court but directed him to appear whenever he is called by the court.

The court passed these orders when his counsel requested his exemption from physical appearance.

The counsel for the prosecution opposed his exemption from appearance before the court and contended that he would escape from the country.

The judge, however, entertained the request of the counsel of the accused, and observed that the day-to-day hearing will be held from the next date of hearing as directed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.