Asia Bibi
Concerns have increased over the safety of Asia Bibi, the first Christian woman sentenced to death for "blasphemy" in Pakistan. These new security concerns follow the execution of extremist Mumtaz Qadri who assassinated Asia's biggest advocate, Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer, in 2011. For a report on the governor's assassination, click here.
Mumtaz was executed by hanging on February 29th, 2016 for the assassination of Governor Taseer who had criticized Pakistan's blasphemy laws and advocated for Asia's release. She has been on death row since her 2010 conviction for allegedly blaspheming during an argument with a Muslim woman who accused her of contaminating a bowl of water by merely drinking from it. Past reports on Asia's case are available on this page.
A senior Punjab government official confided to sources that Asia's security has increased following intelligence reports that Islamist groups are conspiring to have her killed in prison to avenge the hanging of the extremist. Islamic militants feted Mumtaz Qadri as a hero, resulting in a large gathering of up to 150,000 people in the streets of Rawalpindi -- many chanting for Asia to be hanged.
The official assured that although Islamist groups were calling for her swift execution, the government was exercising extreme caution to protect her. "The government is doing its best to keep Asia safe," he explains. "She has been told to cook her own food to prevent any attempt at poisoning her meals. All guards deployed for her security have been carefully vetted by intelligence agencies and other security outfits to ensure they are not extremists in their belief." Asia's lawyer, Saiful Malook, confirms that she is being held in isolation and under strict security. "But calls for her speedy execution have increased the risk to her life manifold," he adds with great concern for his client's safety and well-being.
Thank you for joining us in concerted prayer for Asia Bibi and her suffering family. Pray that God will continue to protect Asia in the face of increased threats against her life. May those who wish her harm be brought down by His strong and mighty arm, in hopes that they would realize the error of their ways and the harshness of their hardened hearts...bringing them to the point of sincere repentance and salvation. Ask that in the meantime He would make a way of deliverance for our long-suffering sister in Christ, leading her to a place of safety, peace, healing and reconciliation with loved ones. May the government officials involved in this difficult case sense God's guiding presence, wisdom and protection as they seek the best solution.
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