Asia Bibi losing hope on death row: family
Asia Bibi has been on death row since November 2010 after she was found guilty of making derogatory remarks about the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) during an argument with a Muslim woman.
A high court in the eastern city of Lahore confirmed the death sentence two weeks ago, dashing hopes it might be commuted to a jail term.
Speaking to AFP after visiting Bibi for the first time since the Lahore court's ruling, her husband Ashiq Masih said it had come as a crushing blow.
"Asia was hopeful that her appeal would be admitted and she would be freed, but now she has lost hope," Masih told AFP
"She was distraught, weeping for most of the time I had with her, appealing to the Supreme Court and president to use their powers to give her justice."
Pakistan has never executed anyone for blasphemy and has had a de-facto moratorium on civilian executions since 2008, but Bibi's case highlights the Islamic republic's controversial laws on the subject.
Blasphemy is a hugely sensitive subject in Pakistan, with even unproven allegations often prompting mob violence.
Masih, 50, lives in hiding with two of his five children and has to keep his identity secret as he scrapes together a living as a daily labourer.
The allegations against Bibi date back to June 2009, when she was labouring in a field and a row broke out with some Muslim women she was working with.
She was asked to fetch water, but the Muslim women objected, saying that as a non-Muslim she was unfit to touch the water bowl.
A few days later the women went to a local cleric and put forward the blasphemy allegations.
Amnesty International has raised "serious concerns" about the fairness of her trial and has called for her release.
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Why doesn't pakistan goverment send her away to another country like masala yousufzai.
@Escape From Pakistan: Your situation is as painful as that of Asia Bibi. Loosing all property is itself painful but to leave behind your family also is extremely painful. I wish that your family is also able to move here soon.
My son has a very good friend here and they had been friends ever since their school days. They are Ismailis from Pakistan. Their entire family also had to escape Pakistan. Do not know if they escaped all at one time or separately. They have not only left Pakistan but have also left Islam. They still have their muslim names. They are doing very well here and own several businesses. We heard from them that there are few other such families here as well. When we moved to Africa in the late 60's many Ismailis have helped us. They owned many shops, stores gas stations and pharmacies there. They would give us credit though we had arrived in the country just days ago. It helped us a lot in settling down in a new country. They would also give us special concessional prices for merchandise we buy from their shops. We have regards for Ismailis and they are a peaceful community.
Thank God I live in India and not in Pakistan.
Anybody think this improves Pakistan's international image? Anybody think this is fair/just/right? It's as though the rationale people/judges/politicians are afraid to stand up and be counted - afraid that they might be accused of not being a good Muslim. Great example of why Blasphemy laws should be eliminated.
What a curse this nation has fallen into with one government after another being too cowardly and unconcerned to undo the blasphemy law.
@Raj - USA: Raj, as someone who was born in Pakistan and has left his family and everything else in Pakistan, I regret to inform you that there is no hope. This country was founded by islamists like Iqbal who declared the murderer of a hindu publisher a hero (Rangeela Rasool), to create a dreamland for Islamists. It is no surprise that this is what it has become. People like the ones in PTI also prove that education and money can also not do anything about the mentality that these people develop while living in an Islamist culture. If anyone goes there to defend this poor family most likely he will be killed by another "hero" like Qadri . Solution is that individuals who are still able to think clearly, to escape from this Islamists' Dreamland!
With the gutless judicial system we have.......she certainly has little hope.
@Rex Minor: Bravo, this is best comment posted till date by you.
Blasphemy Law has been abused. Get rid of it. It is destroying families and lives of innocent people, Muslim and non-Muslim alike.
If the muslim community in Pakistan and those who have moved to the West keep quiet on this, they should not complain if they are viewed with suspicion in the West. Just few bolgs or condemning comments will not do. I want to see a million march as done for Kashmir, World Hijab day, etc. Where is Imran Khan? This lady should be freed and should also be given a substantial amount of money so that she and her family can have a good life after being put to all these sufferings. Pakistanis, in Canada, UK, Germany, Norway, Australia, USA, and anywhere in the world, raise funds and defend this woman. Send a delegation to Pakistan to free this poor lady. Otherwise world is not going to believe you when you say Islam is a religion of peace, Islam gives equal rights to all, etc. etc. Muslims throughout the world should also condemn it, if they are truthful to their religion.
Not a single judge in Pakistan will acquit her unless the judge him/herself wants to be hanged before the accused.
Everyday in Pakistan is becoming a sick day,,
This is a typical case which shows how much society has been radicalized that even court is scared. We just hope for a miracle for this distressed family
It seems that Pakistan is in grip of the God Almighty Religionists ,the Spanish Inquisition has resurfaced with a vengeance: I do not remember from the Days of Lightness, the Prophet's time, he who that insulted the Messenger was put to death.
The elites who virtually ignore any ruling of the highest courts , and yet this is the only questionable law that is followed with the utmost thoughtless zeal
God's commandment is ," though shall not kill". This is what the laws of Pakistan should adhere to. The law of bleshamy is the relic from the colonial days and must be declared as void. Let the community leaders deal with people who transgresss on others feelings through ordinances requiring compensation from tresspassers in form of community service. People of Pakistan should wake up to the dawn of 21st century civilisation..
Rex Minor
It is okay if government kill innocent people in day light and no charges against them. This innocent girl is on death row (shame). Our courts know only one thing, to charge someone of blasphemy.