01/26/2011, 00.00
PAKISTAN
Send to a friend

Pakistani Christians: day of fasting and prayer for the release of Asia Bibi

by Jibran Khan
Sponsored by the Bishop of Islamabad, the event is scheduled for January 30. The same day, Islamic fundamentalists have launched a "national protest" against changes to the blasphemy law. Bishop Anthony: We want to promote "peace and harmony" and the release of the Christian woman.

Lahore (AsiaNews) - On January 30 Pakistani Christians will celebrate a "day of fasting and prayer" for peace in the country and the salvation of Asia Bibi, the 45 year old mother of five sentenced to death for blasphemy. It is in response to the march of the Islamists, who will also hold a "national protest" on the same day against any changes to the "black law" and for the execution of the Christian woman. In recent days, tens of thousands of people took to the streets in different cities of Pakistan, stressing that they are prepared to "sacrifice their life” to defend the honour of the Prophet Muhammad.

Bishop Anthony Rufin of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, has launched an appeal through AsiaNews inviting Christians from all over the country to observe a day of fasting and prayer January 30 next. The prelate clarifies that the initiative aims to promote "peace and harmony," and raise awareness for the "release of Asia Bibi" held in prison pending appeal and threatened with death by Islamic fundamentalists. "It's a critical time - said the bishop - for Christians in Pakistan. So far, two things have dominated the thinking of our society: the megalomania (considering ourselves to be the best) and paranoia (that the world is conspiring against us). "Bishop Anthony adds that he met Ashiq Masih, husband of Asia, and their children. The youngest, Esha, confessed to the bishop in a low voice: "Now it is clear that they have taken away our rights to life and livelihood."

The Masihi Foundation, a human rights organization based in Lahore pleading the cause of Asia Bibi, wants the appeal process to take place in prison - in Sheikhpura, where she currently is being held, or Multan - for "security reasons" . The activists are willing to private security, in the case of transfer to the women's prison in Multan.

If Christians call to fasting and prayer, fundamentalists are dragging the crowds in the streets to support the "black law". On January 23 demonstrations were held in all major cities including Lahore, Karachi, Bahwalpur, Multan and Rawalpindi. In Lahore, about 1,500 people chanted slogans and threats, claiming to be ready to "sacrifice their life<2 to defend the honour of the Prophet Muhammad.

The extremist wing confirms the national demonstration scheduled for January 30, the day also will start the march to the capital Islamabad. The radicals want to get assurances from the government that the blasphemy law will not be repealed and Asia Bibi is executed. The protest will include the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q), which confirmed the presence of party members.

 

TAGs
Send to a friend
Printable version
CLOSE X
See also
"We are optimistic," says Paul Bhatti as Rimsha Masih's bail hearing postponed to Friday
03/09/2012
Pakistan: death sentence for Salman Taseer’s assassin Mumtaz Qadri
01/10/2011
Catholic music to promote dialogue in Ambon, the city of sectarian violence
17/10/2018 13:29
No immediate pardon for Asia Bibi. Appeal must go before the High Court
26/11/2010
Asia Bibi:battle continues to change the blasphemy law
07/12/2010


Newsletter

Subscribe to Asia News updates or change your preferences

Subscribe now
“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”