Pakistan

President takes notice of blasphemy case

The president has sought a report from the ministry of minority affairs in the blasphemy case against Aasia Bibi.

Express November 20, 2010

President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday called for a report from the ministry of minorities affairs over the sentencing to death of a Christian woman for alleged blasphemy in Nankana Sahib last Monday.

Presidential spokesperson Farhatullah Babar said the president asked Minorities Affairs Minister Shabaz Bhatti to submit a report within three days.

Aasia Bibi, a resident of Nankana Sahib in Punjab, was sentenced to death under Sections 295 B and C of the Pakistan Penal Code, following an incident in which an altercation took place between her and her co-workers over the issue of fetching water from the fields.

Meanwhile, Pope Benedict XVI has called for the release of Aasia Bibi and expressed “spiritual closeness” to her.

Earlier, the international human rights advocate Amnesty International (AI) had called for the release of Aasia Bibi, reported the Associated Press.

According to the report, AI had also called on Pakistan to revise the blasphemy laws under which Aasia Bibi was convicted.

On Thursday, Minister of Minority Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti and Governor Punjab Salman Taseer had both expressed their support for re-investigation of the case and a fair trial in the Lahore High Court, respectively.

On Wednesday Pope Benedict XVI had also called for her release and had said Christians in Pakistan were “often victims of violence and discrimination.”

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, representatives of the Jinnah Institute had also condemned the sentencing of Aasia Bibi. President of the Jinnah Institute Sherry Rehman said, “It is clear that Aasia Bibi is yet another victim of the shocking prejudice that pervades our institutions,” while Ali Dayan Hasan, senior South Asia analyst at Human Rights Watch and Jinnah Institute advisory board member said, “Aasia Bibi’s case should serve as a wake-up call to Pakistan’s independent judiciary which urgently needs to address bigotry."

COMMENTS (67)

farzanajabbar | 14 years ago | Reply no one should be classified 2nd class or 1st class citizen on the basis of religion ....religion is for self discipline not a license to kill and humiliate others .....and lwas should be amde to protect human being snot to destroy them ......

Naveed Nasim | 14 years ago | Reply I think we should have another law to stop extremism in the result of blasphemy. Simply if we make a law that if anybody takes the law into his/her hands i.e. provocative sermon, insisting people to take revenge as muslims, etc should be also punished. In this suggested legislation, simply if somebody saw an apostate/blasphemy that person just need to visit nearest police station instead of taking any action himself. In case if someone approaches the area mosque, an FIR should also be lodged in case the molvi uses mosque loud speaker to ask the muslims to take revenge.

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Khurram | 14 years ago | Reply '* Religion is far more important than a human life and punishments like cutting hands is not barbaric.abhor these punishments and u will have society like pakistan.'* Here we go? We have people who have this thinking in 21st century. Tragic to say the least. Mr. if you have chosen to subjugate your life to religion, it is your choice. But you cannot go about killing others based on your pathetic beliefs. You couldn't sound more outrageous!

Khurram | 14 years ago | Reply emphasized text‘The punishment for blasphemy in most of the major religions is death. It is stated in the Old Testament of the Bible, which is the authority for both the Jews and the Christians.' That needs no further explanation to prove that aspects 'most major religions' are inhuman. Come on, you are killing people for their thoughts if they are against your cherished ones? 'Islam at least has four options of punishment for an act of blasphemy.' Big deal, isn't it? It's about time to do away with this cruel law that is made more cruel by misuse! I hope the reviewers have the nerve to publish my thoughts.

Tanvir Ahmed Siddiqui | 14 years ago | Reply To rescue somone from the gallows Its good to respond so instantly so quickly so efficiently at the top most level of state ..but for the mercy why the case has to be internationally so political? What about all those so many innocents already hanged and all those waiting in dark cells of their death sentences?

Eleanor Walker | 14 years ago | Reply Christians do not kill people for blasphemy. The Old Testament Law was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Blasphemy is a sin like any other, and it will be judged by God Himself, not mere men, who blaspheme the name of Christ everyday. You cannot force anyone to serve God against their will. Even Christ does not do that, because the outer appearance of worship is just a facade. He will judge what is really in a person's heart.

ajay mittal | 14 years ago | Reply What is Zardari going to pardon her for? Being a Christian or being poor so she can be victimized easily or because she accidentally found herself living in Pakistan what should have been a land of India- free and just?

ajay mittal | 14 years ago | Reply Zardari has awoken when he felt the heat from his important Masters !! otherwise he would not have taken notice.

ajay mittal | 14 years ago | Reply Sajjad is living in ignorance as expected of him to be. Quote ""References have been aptly provided: ‘The punishment for blasphemy in most of the major religions is death. It is stated in the Old Testament of the Bible, which is the authority for both the Jews and the Christians In Islam, a person who has committed blasphemy can either be killed or crucified, or his opposite hands and feet can be cut off, or he can be exiled from that land. On the other hand, in other religions there is no other option except capital punishment. Islam at least has four options of punishment for an act of blasphemy. courtesy islamvoice.com " Quote End People like you are a threat to peace anywhere in the world not only to your country men.

John.Adam.Human.Right.Activist | 14 years ago | Reply Punish the liars who framed her, no need to change defamation law. AI and Pope should also advocate those 45 women waiting for their trials in Guantanamo bay and those who often killed in drone attacks without knowing their sin. European countries including Israel (not European, but Europeanized), have laws enacted against the holocaust done by Hitler. If I live there, and chose not to believe it or say that it is a falsification of the actual truth then I will be subjected to imprisonment or in some countries (Life in Prison). Does it bring a “shame” to them ?!!! Then how does this law bring a shame to Pakistan ??! In an attempt to get more and more media savvy, we’ve stopped thinking objectively, haven't we? You can have your own weird justifications. As for your “FORGIVE FORGIVE” rant on the issue, lets just forgive the court then – shouldn’t we? or lets just forgive everyone who planted bombs in our mosques too; lets just repeal ALL laws and forgive everybody, stop this war in the name of terrorism too, what you think shouldnt we? like “ASQ” above who is willing to forgive all corruption too. In the span of over 150 years, from 1800 to 1950, some 60,000 books have been written against Islam which turns out to be more than one book against Islam every single day. Nevertheless, the law has been framed for an ISLAMIC society. Yes, you are right, Allah knows the best, and so He sent down His jurisdiction in the Quran for you, so please ponder upon that. In Islam, a person who has committed blasphemy can either be killed or crucified, or his opposite hands and feet can be cut off, or he can be exiled from that land. On the other hand, in other religions there is no other option except capital punishment. Islam at least has four options of punishment for an act of blasphemy.

T R Khan | 14 years ago | Reply The blasphemy law is defective, deficient and is open to rampart misuse. The courts are more or less forced by this law to give guilty verdict. The very basis of this law is against the Islamic teachings. How can an illiterate, poverty stricken Christian woman from the backwaters of Punjab offend everyone so much; that we should hang her. It just does not make sense. Our Holy Prophet (saw) is the pinnacle of all of God's creations, his name cannot be sullied by mere humans by a few words. If this was not true Muslims would have killed nearly all of mankind; as Islam spread from Mecca and Madina in the early years. Today. their are millions of books and websites which are very offensive and blasphemous, should all these people writing, maintaining, reading, discussing and selling these be hanged?

Nazir Habib | 14 years ago | Reply Mr. Zardari since the court has found her guilty let her repent and then pardon her. She will never ever say anything to the effect again, if she said it in the first place. Also the persons who brought the case against her should be admonished to present facts and not manufacture fiction through bigotry and jealousy, if any. The case is some years old and knowing our peoples' penchant for false information and witnesses, we should try to uncover the real facts of the case. The blasphemy laws should not be revised but our people must receive education. Salams and best wishes.

maz | 14 years ago | Reply @Ferhan Mazher Agreed with you dont know what will happen with these poor people even if she is pardoned and send home . From the tv clipings which are shown on news channel her life and as well as her family life is in danger there are warewolves out there ready to attack and finish them off . May Lord Almighty protect this family

Shabbir | 14 years ago | Reply Blasphemy law should be immediately repealed if the state has any interest in protecting the weaker sections of society especially the minorities who are victimized by a bigoted majority with the help of such unfair laws.

aftab kenneth wilson | 14 years ago | Reply @ faiz religon is far more important than a human life and punishments like cutting hands is not barbaric.abhor these punishments and u will have society like pakistan

prasad | 14 years ago | Reply The real fear is that when Asia Bibi and her family leave Pakistan to live in another country, the likes of Musharraf and the Hamzas above will say that she did this deliberately to go abroad. And it seems an insult to human beings per se for the president to pardon someone for his or her religious views.

Ferhan Mazher | 14 years ago | Reply Aasia Bibi will get pardon from 295C Pakistan Panel Code but not from 295C Public Mentality of the Majority. Aasia Bibi will hopefully get pardon from President Asif Ali Zardari but extremist elements will pardon her ? You think now her family will be able to live in Pakistan.

T R Khan | 14 years ago | Reply Islam spread throughout the world on the bandwagon of love and justice. It was people like Aasia Bibi who accepted it. Islam will continue to grow if Muslims preach love and justice. When the Holy Prophet (saw) did not allow the destruction of the people of Taif, who had abused, slandered and stoned him, his justification was that the future generations of the people of Taif will accept the message. How true was he. Today, we want to hang a non-Muslim woman who said something inappropriate, but spoke from her conviction. This is against the teaching of the Holy Prophet (saw) and a crime against humanity.

Tahir Ahmed | 14 years ago | Reply @ Sajjad Ahmed --I fully agree with you. We should not protest this blasphamy law because 1. the Danish newspaper, published caricatures. 2.words of Quran are there for you (including non muslims) to follow. 3. Words of Quran supporting blasphamy law can be found in the mindset of Mullahs / terrorist. 4.The law has been framed for an ISLAMIC society where Non Muslims are second class citizens. They should serve and believe what Muslims believe. 5. One book is written against Islam every single day. By hanging Aasia we will reduce this to zero publication against Islam. 6 “FORGIVE FORGIVE” rant on the issue should be reserved for terrorist. Such beautiful and thoughtful reasoning deserve noble prize.

Akhtar | 14 years ago | Reply @sajjad Dear sir your logic is childish no one approved of Danish cartoonist and whole world condemned it.you call Pakistan an Islamist society.The whole point is this that such laws are against the spirit of Islam and teaching of prophet.it is easy to castigate an ignorant women but what have you been able to do against the cartoonist? You ate so stupid that you don't understand that prophet was rah mat ul aalamine and forgave all including munafikeen. Only thing you are doing is to bring prophets name to disrepute nauzobillah

Sehrish Kanwal | 14 years ago | Reply Well I condemn this law of blasphemy because the law itself is good but it is misused in many cases against both Muslims and Non Muslims. People have their personal grudges for others, they have got an easy way of accusing others by saying that this particular person has passed blasphemous comments. Blind fanatic people beat him/her and file a police report against him/her. Hence this is a shortcut used to settle down personal enmity against others. therefore it should be repealed instantly.

Nassim Ally Osman | 14 years ago | Reply It is not the law that need to be changed but the mind set of Pakistani towards non muslims And from my own traumatic experience as a student of nothing in Pakistan in the 80s, i will say also the attitude of Pakistani towards muslims from abroad especially if he or she happens to be dark skin and non arab

Syed A. Mateen | 14 years ago | Reply Dear Contributors: I am attaching herewith a link which describe about the Blasphemy Laws. Those who have no knowledge, or little knowledge about Blasphemy Laws existing in the world should read it to correct themselves before commenting on Blasphemy Laws that are existing in Pakistan.. Kindly click the below-mentioned link to update your knowlege about Blasphemy Laws. This page was last updated on November 14, 2010. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blasphemy_law

Anwar Hasan | 14 years ago | Reply The Blasphemy Law has got to go !!!!!!!

farzanajabbar | 14 years ago | Reply first you all need to check asia bibi knows the meaning of blasphemy ..............and what is her knowledge level .education ....................is hse able to know what she said to uneducated women while fetching water ..............what a pity............ and pop should not comment on such issues without thinking and knowing the problem .... where is justice chaudry ......

Qazi | 14 years ago | Reply This infamous law was made and enacted by Zia JI alliance. This is one of those gifts that have encouraged intolerance, injustice, and myopia in the people of this garrison state. If I am a Muslim or Priya is Hindu and iñigo is a Christian then only thing that make us humans is love of humanity. We as a nation should rethink our actions, because if we let this injustice to prevail then we are bound to perish. In fact we have started to perish and no one (Christian, Jews, or Hindus) is responsible for this but ourselves. Taking notice of this incident will not help, Mr. President must force the legislature to repeal this law and make laws against racism and hatred.

Kavita | 14 years ago | Reply Well said ASQ! Appreciate your comment!

johnny | 14 years ago | Reply That does not surprise being a christian in pakistan i have seen a lot of cruelty like that. Just because you hate someone all you gotta say is that he is said something about prophet muhammad and get that person killed. Easy way to kill someone you dont like just because they are chrisitan. How can you call a country your own where you dont have any equal rights as a christian. There is no justice in pakistan for you especially if you are chrisitian which is very sad. anways some things can never be changed such as Blasphemy law. Muslim people can say different things to justify that this is not unjust. i respect all religions but this discrimination makes me really sick. I still cant believe there is soo much ignorance in pakistan. Glad to be an american Christian.

Let sense prevail | 14 years ago | Reply I really hope "sense" prevails and the lady is let go. @Hamza - Whatever the truth - i.e. even if she did say something, death is not a solution. I thought Islam and muslims had a big heart. How come the hearts turn so bitter to kill a woman of 5 children for just "saying" something. Any wonder people around the world have trouble understanding Islam? Are you helping fix that perception? There are serious human rights issues in Pakistan. If you want to move forward, shed these talibanic laws. And since when did God needed mortals to save his image? God created all humans in his image and he knows to take care of himself. If religion is the reason why people die, then the religion is no good or the people interpreting are no good. I know it is the later.

alan dysert | 14 years ago | Reply Sajjad's comments clearly show where the real problem lies. Prejudiced minds and polluted hearts that desire to murder anyone that opposes their view or belief, are the root of the wickedness withing humanity. Jews do not kill their family members if they refuse to hold the same belief. For that matter neither do Christians. It appears very frequently within islam however. The indoctrination starts early. One of the very core tenants taught to muslims is to hate Jews and Christians. This sort of bigotry and intolerance comes from brainwashing. It also appeals to the pride of muslims to think that they are somehow a better type of person than their fellow man. (Which they obviously are not) Simply put: if your god were truly god he would not need you to defend his honor. If he were truly a god he would be able to do it himself without the murderous acts of his followers. as Tahir stated: "The koran has no blasphemy laws." So why do you find it necessary to supersede its writings? Simply put, these laws were enacted by wicked people who want to force others (can you say mental and spiritual slavery) to do what they wish and when. It is all about that intoxicating thing called power. They can use it to eliminate someone they do not like, disagree with, want what they own, etc. I think that Sajjad would be singing a different tone if the rolls were reversed.

Cameron Hayton | 14 years ago | Reply I am deeply concerned about this matter. Section 295-C of the PPC violates international humanitarian laws. I thought Pakistan was a more forward thinking country than this. How childish is it to sentence a person to death because they do not hold the same superstitious or religious conviction as you? This particular woman is a mother of five and just a nice hard-working lady. All she is guilty of is speaking on her own religious conviction and belief. Could Mohamed actually be that afraid that he would want a person to die for simply stating their belief? What is to fear? Either you believe what she says or you don't. But really, sentence her to death? Maybe 800 years ago this was acceptable, but what kind of a world are we living in where we will not allow another to have opposing views? Next thing you know you will be beating people with clubs and living in caves like the Taliban. If you keep going down this path with this kind on behaviour, soon you will be walking on all fours... like you are de-evolving or something. This mob behaviour and childish actions needs to stop. Your prime minister has pledged to review the blasphemy laws. You should let him do it and repeal this ridiculous sentence at the same time. Start acting like a civilised society instead of a barbaric one and you just might become one.

Anis Qureshi | 14 years ago | Reply President should take notice of this unjust and cruel law and repeal it. This law has caused too much strife in pakistan and is weapon in the hands of mullahs and extremist religious parties to persecute poor citizens of nation.

Faiz | 14 years ago | Reply Nothing is more sacred than a human life. Stop this frenzy of killing people in the name of religion--this and that. Islam has been reduced to a religion of inhuman punishments: cutting off this hand and that leg. It seems everyone has become an accuser, a court and a policeman unto himself. Drive all the non-Muslims out of Pakistan to authenticate the so-called 'two-nation theory' and then let every Muslim sect take up arms against each other. Pity on these denizens who could get out of the rut of medieval ages.

Farrukh Siddiqui | 14 years ago | Reply Mr. Hamza. First, fhese lower courts and the corrupt police have no credibility and then death sentence? Please think about it, we Pakistanis are already perceived as barbarians and terrorists by the world.

Auricularis | 14 years ago | Reply If Muslims were so secure that their faith is the true one, they would ignore any attacks on their prophet and be secure in their belief that they will be vindicated.

Bob Van Zandt | 14 years ago | Reply Please consider signing our petition to free Asia Bibi http://asiabibi.org

S Irwin | 14 years ago | Reply Deu 1:16 And I charged your judges at that time: Hear the disputes between your brothers and judge fairly, whether the case is between brother Israelites or between one of them and an alien. Deu 1:17 Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of any man, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.

Sajjad Ahmed | 14 years ago | Reply It seems like facts aren't important anymore - they have a really BIG issue on their hands now. The importance of the issue can be judged by the mere mention that even Zardari, Gillani and Salman Taseer have taken notice of it. Even the Pope dressed up properly to come out in the open and talked to media about it. Amnesty personnel have travelled from far across to get things done. Its running all over the Geo news too with Zardari's comments being read in the background. Wow - The world suddenly looks a much different place !! Jyllans Posten, the Danish newspaper, published caricatures defaming our Prophet - would you count it as freedom of speech? Speaking your mind about your own religion and practicing it is one thing, and blasphemy is another issue altogether. Do not equate the two !! Yes, words of Quran are there for you to follow. I think it couldn't be written more clearly. You can have your own weird justifications. As for your "FORGIVE FORGIVE" rant on the issue, lets just forgive the court then - shouldn't we? or lets just forgive everyone who planted bombs in our mosques too; lets just repeal ALL laws and forgive everybody, shouldnt we? like "ASQ" above who is willing to forgive all corruption too. In the span of over 150 years, from 1800 to 1950, some 60,000 books have been written against Islam which turns out to be more than one book against Islam every single day. Nevertheless, the law has been framed for an ISLAMIC society. Yes, you are right, Allah knows best, and so He sent down His jurisdiction in the Quran for you, so please ponder upon that.

Mgrobbo | 14 years ago | Reply Muslims insult my religion when they deny that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I insult Islam when I deny that their Prophet is a true prophet. To disagree with me doesn't mean you have insulted me personally, nor I you. So let us learn to live with our differences without hatred and fear, and let God sort it out on the Day of Judgement!

DB | 14 years ago | Reply It is not blasphemy if she speaks the truth of the ONE true GOD! Our lord and savior Jesus Christ does not require us to kill anyone who does not believe. He tells us to love them like a brother. You have no room for love in your heart. I pray that none of you go to hell. I pray for the salvation of you nation from this lie.

Tania | 14 years ago | Reply Jesus said (to those wanting to stone the woman caught in adultery) He who is without sin may cast the first stone. Jesus wrote on the ground as one by one each person walked away. Jesus turned to the woman and said, there is noone left to condemn you and neither do I. Go and sin no more. An encounter with the Spirit of Jesus/God and his amazing love and grace, mercy and forgiveness has the power to revolutionize your world. We serve a personal God who is interested in a personal Father-son relationship with you. It a relationship through God's Holy Spirit that will satisfy you innermost longing like no other relationshipcan. When you embrace Him you will know that this life is but a vapour and you were created for a purpose and you can have assurance of salvation (through the perfect blood sacrifice of the death of Jesus Christ) to spend eternity with God. Asia, like this woman, has had an encounter with Jesus (through the Holy Spirit). This encounter is available to all!

Victoria | 14 years ago | Reply I am grateful that he has taken notice of her predicament! The fact is that we don't know for sure whether she blasphemed Mohammad or not, but even had she done such a thing, is it really deserving of death? I am a follower of Jesus Christ (otherwise known as a Christian), and if this was a Muslim who had blasphemed my Savior, I would not demand that she be put to death! I would pray for this person's salvation, but demand she be put to death?!?! I would never wish such a thing! If this is a law in the Koran, how convenient that it be such in obvious attempt to eradicate Christians. However, God is not weak or unable to defend Himself and the truth will not be stopped. It is my hope and prayer that justice be served here on earth. However, if it so pleases God to bring glory to Himself by bringing her home, His will, not mine be done. To live is Christ, but to die is gain. His will be done!

Nauma | 14 years ago | Reply Only God knows when/if we'd ever come out of the stone age!

Hamza | 14 years ago | Reply The fact is that we dont know the truth yet and are reacting emotionally as a result of haste. If she has really committed such an offence then as per the Pakistani laws she should be charged guilty. But if thats not the case and the charges are indeed false then she should be free to go, its as simple as that. The question is not whether she should be hanged or spared, the question is whether she has said any such thing or not.

ASQ | 14 years ago | Reply The first thing president zardari should do is to declare pakistan a secular state just like what Jinnah wanted.if he does this i can forgive all his corruption!!!!!!!

A Suhail | 14 years ago | Reply Where are all the "Quom ki Beti" ghariat brigade now another daughter of pakistan is put behind bars. Oh wait a minute... she is Christian and not in US custody therefore problem solved. Seriously, this law is misused and people use it to settle score with each other. How come there is no blasphemy law in 99% of the muslim countries? Are they less muslim than us. For those who equate us with Israel and Germany well two wrongs do not make one right. This law is being used on hearsay no one has ever provided a concrete proof that this person or that person really insulted the prophet (PBUH). We deserve the reputation we have around the world as brute and uncivilized nation and news like these smears our reputation some more.

Humanity | 14 years ago | Reply The Holy Quran and the sunnah of the Holy Prophet (SAW), the mercy for the entire universe, stand AGAINST the blasphemy law.. It equates Islam to a barbaric religion instead of being a message of peace and love. It is un-Islamic and MUST GO. Those who support the blasphemy law, use your brains for a change. Think for a moment, what the Holy Prophet would say for such a practice. He forgave those who abused him. Would he want a woman to be hanged because some stupid women want some sort of a revenge? If you think the Holy Prophet would want the woman to be hanged then you don't understand Islam and you do not the great character of the Holy Prophet(SAW). You want his name to be associated with bloodshed of the innocent and you think he will be happy with that . Absolutely NOT. It is your own arrogance that you want to feed with the blood of an innocent person. Both Allah (SWT) and te Holy Prophet (SAW) can not be happy with such people. The blasphemy law must be repealed before more innocent people are killed by the ignorant who want to quench the thirst of their blood thirsty deity by killing innocent people.

PriyaSuraj | 14 years ago | Reply I second Tahir. if muslims are superior to other people and their God is more powerful than anyone else, why do muslims need to hand out punishments. I think God can take care of that himself. He is definitely more powerful than any 1 muslim and if he felt insulted he will take care of the matter. But the whole point is it does not matter to God. You cannot insult God even if you wanted to. I can understand that if one gets hurt if someone is abusing my God/what I believe in. I am a hindu, I believe in reincarnation and the law of karma, does that mean I go about punishing whoever does not believe in it or makes a mockery of it. We all will die and go to the same place. God only created humans, Man created the religion so that we can harness our energies for the greater good of mankind and not waste time and energy fighting each other. Jesus, Prophet, Ram (and yes they were people just like us, may be Ram was mythological) were great leaders of their times who had the vision to see what humans are capable of if they work together. Religion was a means for that. Unfortunately all of us the so called intelligent people of the world haven't figured out such a basic thing. Live and let live.

parvez | 14 years ago | Reply If Mr.Zardari does what he has to do, he will gain the respect of not only a very large segment of the people within Pakistan but also those of other faiths around the world.

Noor | 14 years ago | Reply Blasphemy law is not according to Quran. It is the produce of more-Catholic-than-the-Pope mentality that pervades our society horozontally, as well as vertically. I remember the old story from my primary school Islamiat in which the holy prophet tolerated and forgave the woman who continuously threw garbarge on him. The holy prophet also visited her home to express care, sympathy and love when she fell ill. That kind of attitude won hearts. Because that reflected benevoloence instead of myopism, care instead of vengeance, love instead of hatred and tolerance instead of reactionism. Sunnah has no lessons/incidents of vengreance. Pakistan is not doing any service to the prophet and his religion by persecuting the poor for dubious reasons, according to shadowy laws. The President, after forgiving this woman's punishment, shall make solid efforts to repeal these laws which have been used against minorities, time and again.

Jackie | 14 years ago | Reply Blockquote Blockquote> Also, Germany and few other european countries including israel, have laws enacted against the holocaust done by hitler. If I live there and chose not to believe it or say that it is a falsification of the actual truth then I will be subjected to LIFE imprisonment Blockquote Blockquote This is incorrect. You can believe whatever you want in Germany. Also, the penalty is not life imprisonment, but much less.

Akhtar | 14 years ago | Reply Mr sajjad Your laws are man made and to appease extremist Remember prophet would have never punished ignorant and ordinary people like aasia. People like you are disgrace to the prophet and Islam. by killing women and children you only prove to the world that ours is a bar Arian religion I feel ashamed of this religion

raza | 14 years ago | Reply what has happened to our print media? can you say it that she is being convicted without any reason ,, o my dear so called human rights she has blasphemed remarks about our beloved PROPHET (SAW) And it is proved in the court and we should not blame the law. because the case is decided on precedent bases.. so she deserves the punishment.. would you alter every law which is hit by any minority because the so called human right activists start looming on you...

Amaar | 14 years ago | Reply @mateen, @sajjid I am afraid you have lost any sense of reason and decency. The Prophet of Islam (sw) did not ever punish any blasphemer neither did any of his companions. Are you bigger than them to insist on such un-Islamic laws?

Tahir Ahmed | 14 years ago | Reply There is no mention of blasphamy law in Quran. Can a Christian believe in Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). If she believes she would have been Muslim. Should Aasia, by her faith, say good about whom she does not believe. 3.This law should be applied on those who believe it is justified.Muslims' believes should not dictate non-muslims' action. We want to live in isolation in pre-historic era, with utter disregard to world around us.

faraz | 14 years ago | Reply @Sajjad There is no punishment of Blasphemy in Quran and Sunnah. If holocaust denial is punished in Germany, then it doesnt mean that we should kill minorities in Pakistan. Such comparisons dont make sense.

Harish | 14 years ago | Reply see the world in fresh view...afterall human being is an animal...animals doesn't have religions...have you ever seen muslim cow, hindu cow, christian dog....human life is valid...value that..not religion..

Tahir Ahmed | 14 years ago | Reply We give examples of Israel in support of our draconian law. It means Pakistan and Israel are on the same path??????. Why condemn Israel, love them as we are also like them.

Tahir | 14 years ago | Reply 1.In Quran there is no mention of blasphemy law 2.How can a Christian believe in Prophethood of Mohammad (PBUH). How can Aasia avoid blasphemy.If she believe in truth of Prophethood, she would have been Muslim. 3.Islamic law should be applied to those who believe in truth of these law.

Sajjad Ahmed | 14 years ago | Reply References have been aptly provided: 'The punishment for blasphemy in most of the major religions is death. It is stated in the Old Testament of the Bible, which is the authority for both the Jews and the Christians In Islam, a person who has committed blasphemy can either be killed or crucified, or his opposite hands and feet can be cut off, or he can be exiled from that land. On the other hand, in other religions there is no other option except capital punishment. Islam at least has four options of punishment for an act of blasphemy. courtesy islamvoice.com

iñigo González | 14 years ago | Reply Dear Sirs, I ask for mercy for this woman. I am Spaniard and have impacted this horror without reason. We believe in a Creator God who made the most important gift is Life. When the world is filled with nonsense. We believe many Spanish people to defend Life in all fields. I pray to the God of Mercy.

Waqar Omar | 14 years ago | Reply I think AI should also advocate those 45 women waiting for their trials in Guantanamo bay and those who often killed in drone attacks.

Muneer | 14 years ago | Reply

Such a law was made so that people do not take the law in their own hands and kill people for personal enmity but resort to courts to give their judgement.

Fact is people are taking law more into their own hands sicne thgsi law was enacted. Most of the victims get killed at one stage or the other and not by court judgment. This is proof that this law is flawed and is doing exactly the opposite of what the extremist who support this law claim.

Muneer | 14 years ago | Reply

Blasphemy Law cannot be revised or repealed in the wake of on going terrorism and suicide attacks in the country. The day government will revise or repeal the Blasphemy Law, it is likely that rightist wing groups will call for a movement to dislodge the government and more suicide attacks may takes place in the country, killing and injuring innocent people and destroying public and private properties.

So you accept that supporters of Blasphemy laws are actually terrorists? All the more reason to repeal the law to give a clear and strong message that we will not be defeated or overcome by the terrorists. If we are so cowards to be afraid of a few terrorists then we do not deserve to live as a free nation.

Klues | 14 years ago | Reply Punish the liars who framed her, no need to change defamation law.

Sajjad Ahmed | 14 years ago | Reply The Islamic system of law, known as Sharia, derives from four sources: the Holy Koran, Sunnah, Ijma and Qiyas. The Holy Koran, being the word of God (Allah), is the principal source - and these sources have rightfully pointed out the punishment for blasphemy or derogatory remarks against our Prophet with a death penalty. Such a law was made so that people do not take the law in their own hands and kill people for personal enmity but resort to courts to give their judgement. Why do we still question the veracity of the law? Also, Germany and few other european countries including israel, have laws enacted against the holocaust done by hitler. If I live there and chose not to believe it or say that it is a falsification of the actual truth then I will be subjected to LIFE imprisonment !! does it bring a "shame" to them ??? then how does this law bring a shame to Pakistan?? In an attempt to get more and more media savvy, we've stopped thinking objectively, havent we?

Syed A. Mateen | 14 years ago | Reply Blasphemy Law cannot be revised or repealed in the wake of on going terrorism and suicide attacks in the country. The day government will revise or repeal the Blasphemy Law, it is likely that rightist wing groups will call for a movement to dislodge the government and more suicide attacks may takes place in the country, killing and injuring innocent people and destroying public and private properties.

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