Asia Bibi to appeal for freedom through Pakistan’s flawed legal system

Asia Bibi has been given one last chance to challenge for her freedom after a Supreme Court appeal date has been set for Wednesday 22nd July starting at 9.00am Pakistan time (5am GMT).  The British Pakistani Christian Association calls on Christians across the globe to pray for her freedom and for justice to be served through the courts.

One of the solicitors involved in the case contacted our officer Mehwish Bhatti who informed us only hours ago. Mehwish said:

“I am pleased at this early date, the legal process in Pakistan can be so delayed.  Perhaps the international pressure felt by our Government has resulted in the expedition of her case.  I hope that this time the courts make the right decision and free sister Asia.  Six years in a dingy, dark cell in complete isolation will no doubt have caused great trauma, especially when coupled with a nation’s unfair hatred.”

Asia Bibi is a mother of five who was gang-raped, beaten and has served 5 years imprisonment for saying: “My Christ died for me, what did Muhammed do for you?” whilst being insulted for her faith, became the only victim of this sad and notorious incident.  Her words have deemed by most religious experts from all faiths to be a harmless question that exhibits little to qualify as a blasphemy, yet Asia has been forced to cook her own food from raw ingredients and to live in isolation due to significant threats, bullying and attempts at taking her life.
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The imam who preached hatred towards her through a public tannoy inciting people to hatred and who forced the blasphemy charges to be laid against her;  the women who first beat her and insulted her God which she could not bear despite absorbing all personal insults; and the rapists who cruelly tortured and dishonoured her have all kept their freedom.

This is the last chance for freedom through legal process for Asia Bibi, and many humanitarians are questioning whether or not a Supreme Court Judge will vindicate poor Asia, in a society that has created pariah status for alleged blasphemers, especially Christians. 

Chairman of the BPCA, Wilson Chowdhry said:

“The draconian blasphemy law of Pakistan has been condemned globally and is a tool for discrimination, vendettas and hatred.  The impunity with which perpetrators of false charges can stir up community hatred, magnified by the intolerance and similar permission for mosques to preach hatred, have created a toxic situation for minorities.  They are now fleeing Pakistan in their droves with thousands upon thousands being re-persecuted in South-East Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.”

He added:

“Ignoring the plight of Pakistani Christians has backfired on Western nations enmeshed in duplicitous politics, based on trade agreements and the ostensible ally relationship of Pakistan in the war against terror.  This has culminated in seeping extremism and hatred in the countries of the West which, if unchallenged, will one day result in similar terror closer to home.  It is time for a global strategy that recognises the need to resolve conflict and hatred in the Islamic world to stem precipitating animosities in countries foolishly deemed safe.”

We
are working tirelessly to help end injustice for Asia Bibi but we can’t do it without you.  

I
believe that this premature court date, in a country known for extremely long
delay, is answer to previous global prayer. I believe it will take
divine intervention to free Asia and our prayers now could make the
difference.

Please Pray:

For justice and freedom for Asia Bibi.

That her health would be improved and her morale kept high.

That God would continue to sustain and protect Asia, her family, and her legal team throughout this ordeal.

For the judges of the Supreme Court to have the courage to release her and to have hearts that are for justice not for popularity or keeping a false peace.

For Asia’s legal team to have courage to speak up for her and for protection for them as they do so.

For Asia and her family to be brought out of Pakistan safely to a place of refuge where they can rebuild their lives in peace and security.

Please also pray about helping us by giving financially, that we might continue our work
for the innocent.  Any donations can be sent using these bank details:

Sort Code: 20-44-22
Account number: 43163318
Bank: Barclays

Any cheques should be made payable to the BPCA
to our address: 57 Green Lane, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1XG.

With your support we hope to change the lives of millions of Christians in Pakistan.