Rawalpindi: Additional District and Sessions Judge Rawalpindi Irfan Akram has awarded life imprisonment and fine to the tune of Rs 5 lac to an accused nominated in blasphemy case.

The punishment has been awarded after the allegations have been proved.

The accused will have to undergo imprisonment of 6 months more in case of default of payment of fine.

Civil Lines police had registered case No 1125 against Muhammad Arif 50 on September 4 last year on the report of Kamran Khan under section C-295 of CRPC.

It was alleged that the accused had used insulting and derogatory remarks about the Holy Prophet openly till late night in the area of Lal Kurti when he was present in a hotel along with his friends. The other persons present in the hotel too witnessed and heard the derogatory remarks.

The court has given benefit of section B-382 of criminal procedure under which the period spent by the accused in jail will be deemed to have been reduced from sentence period.