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Asia Bibi

  • Christian Asia Bibi 'has price on her head'


    Asia Bibi's family

    VOM continues to follow the case of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death under Pakistan's blasphemy law. Asia's husband, Ashiq Masih, says his family has been receiving threatening phone calls, forcing him and his children to flee their home. Ashiq told the BBC that they move constantly, trying to stay one step ahead of the anonymous callers who have been menacing them. "I ask who they are, but they refuse to tell me," Ashiq said.

    Ashiq insists that his wife is innocent and will be freed, but he worries about what will happen if she is released. "When she comes out, how she can live safely?" he asks. "No one will let her live. The mullahs are saying they will kill her when she comes out."

    In addition to the death sentence hanging over Asia, a radical cleric has put a price on her head, promising $6,000 CAD to anyone prepared to "finish her" (click here for more information).

    Please pray the Lord will protect and provide for Ashiq Masih and his children. May the entire family know the Lord's strengthening presence. Pray the Lord will use Asia's situation to bring about change in Pakistan for His glory. Pray for her release.

    For more on trials facing Christians in Pakistan, visit thePakistan Country Report.
  • Update: Court prevents president from pardoning Asia Bibi


    Asia Bibi's family

    A court in Pakistan has told the country's president that he cannot grant a pardon to Asia Bibi, the Christian woman who was sentenced to death for "blasphemy" against Muhammad (click here to read more). International Christian Concern (ICC) reports the Lahore High Court issued the order after lawyers argued that the president cannot issue the pardon before Asia's appeal to the High Court is decided.

    ICC says Asia has appealed to the High Court for the reversal of her death sentence, but the court has yet to set a date for an appeal hearing. Pakistan's Minister for Minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti, said that President Asif Ali Zardari has pledged to intervene if the High Court unnecessarily delays deciding Asia's case. The president also asked Bhatti to investigate Asia's case, and Bhatti found her to be innocent.

    Under Article 45 of Pakistan's constitution, the president has authority to free convicts. Meanwhile, ICC says fundamentalist Muslims have stepped up their threats against the Pakistani officials, warning that there will be anarchy if Asia is pardoned.

    Thank the Lord for the president's willingness to intervene. Pray for Asia's release in the Lord's good timing, pray that He will use Asia's case to highlight the flaws of these infamous blasphemy laws in Pakistan and bring about change. Ask God to protect her and her family and all Christians in the area.

    Find out more about the treatment of believers in Pakistan by visiting thePakistan Country Report.

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