LAHORE:
The case which ultimately cost Salmaan Taseer his life is stuck in deadlock, amid allegations of financial impropriety and tussles over representation.
Taseer’s assassin, Mumtaz Qadri, killed the Governor of Punjab because of his support for Aasia Noreen, a Christian woman sentenced to death in November 2010 for blasphemy. Aasia’s appeal case is still due to be heard in the high court.
Recent investigations, however, reveal a dispute between Aasia’s husband Ashiq and the Masihi Foundation (MF), which claims it has represented Aasia – more commonly known as Aasia Bibi – from day one.
It appears that Aasia’s name is being used by different lobbies to promote themselves and gather funds. SK Rashid, the lawyer who filed her appeal in the high court, has not yet been paid by MF. This is a claim MF accepts, saying they will soon make the payments.
On the other hand, Ashiq says that MF does not represent Aasia any more. “We do not think it is advisable to pursue Aasia’s case right now under the current government,” says Ashiq. “We are in touch with some top lawyers in the country.”
Ashiq’s claims are rejected by Haroon Barkat, head of MF, based in the UK, which was representing Aasia when she was sentenced. “We were and still are the legal counsel for Aasia. Ashiq is only interested in money-making, which he has been involved in ever since international support started coming in for Aasia,” he alleges.
According to Haroon, Ashiq signed a contract last year with a French publisher for a book on Aasia. “I have been getting around 5% royalties and as yet they have sent around a million rupees,” Ashiq admits. Sources say he has used the money to start a construction business.
While fund-raising for Aasia is not being directed towards her, Ashiq claims that a recent press release by MD citing a visit to Aasia in Sheikhupura jail is false. The news was carried by all global news agencies after a statement issued by MF claimed that Aasia’s health is deteriorating and she is mentally ill. Ashiq rejects this, saying he met Aasia over Christmas and she has no health issues.
“I asked Aasia and she says no one met her. The Masihi Foundation is trying to earn money out of my wife’s name,” he says. This claim can also be independently verified from the Home Secretary Punjab Shahid Khan, who confirmed that he did not give any permission for the visit, while the Sheikhupura Jail Administration also confirmed that no such visit happened.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 4th, 2012.
COMMENTS (8)
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If Aasia Bibi's case does not shake up the conscious of PAK nation, nothing will in the future.
PAK already forgot about minority minister Bhatti.
CLAAS meeting with Asia Bibi in jail may be credible but read reports quoted by Jail supretendent and Home Department Punjab that 'No one else meeting Asia Bibi instead of his family'. Which means if Masihi Foundation not met Asia Bibi nor CLAAS team also; Something is fishy in statement of Ashiq Masih, husband of Asia Bibi: There are rumors that Pakistan Establishment is putting pressure on Ashiq Masih to make such statement: I recieved one hate e-Mail frome one Muslim Mohammad Kader which I have also posted on Pakistan Christian Post: The hate mail threaten PCP on writing Salman Taseer and Shahbaz Bhatti as "Martyrs" or "Shaheed" and says to Hang Asia Bibi:
@Nazir S Bhatti so who do you think is telling the truth the NGO that says she was tortured or the one denying just like @beena sarwar reported
Her husband is right. Masihi Foundation has not met Aasia Bibi. See this statement by CLAAS, a credible human rights group that has been working on blasphemy cases for years: http://beenasarwar.wordpress.com/2012/01/02/aasia-bibi-update-in-good-health-and-mental-condition-stop-spreading-rumours-appeals-claas/
It is how Pakistani Christian damage their own cause on International Forums when some elements try to cash miseries, oppression and persecution of Christians; I also posted news story of visit to Asia Bibi, recieved through a press release of one NGO and also recieved by another NGO denying any torture of Jail officer on her; It is very very bad!!!
@AT
Smile? are you the sort who finds pleasure in other peoples misery?
At times when you read such stuff, a smile struts across your face.