Husband of Asia Bibi Appeals to Donald Trump for Refuge

[MenInG]

SLAMABAD — The husband of a Pakistani Christian woman acquitted after spending eight years on death row on charges of blasphemy has appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump for refuge, citing danger to family members' lives.

Ashiq Masih, the husband of Asia Bibi, whose case has outraged Christians worldwide and been a source of division within Pakistan, also appealed to the United Kingdom and Canada for assistance.

The ultra-right Tehreek-e-Labaik (TLP) party blocked major roads in Pakistan's biggest cities for three days, calling for the murder of the Supreme Court judges who acquitted Asia Bibi on Wednesday, and terming Prime Minister Imran Khan and the country's army chief enemies of Islam.

The TLP called off the protests late on Friday after striking a deal with the government that could see authorities seek to put Bibi on an 'exit control list' barring her from leaving the country and open a review of the verdict in the courts.

ADVERTISEMENT


"I am requesting the President of the United States Donald Trump to help us exit from Pakistan," Masih said in a video recorded by the British Pakistani Christian Association and seen by Reuters.

"I also request the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to help us, I also request the Prime Minister of Canada," he said, while also asking for help on behalf of his brother Jospeh Nadeem who has assisted with Bibi's case.

The U.S. Embassy and British and Canadian High Commissions in Islamabad did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the video.

On Saturday, Bibi's lawyer Saiful Mulook told Reuters he had left Pakistan "to save (my) life from angry mob" and because of fears for the safety of his family.

Bibi was convicted of blasphemy in 2010 for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Islam after neighbors objected to her drinking water from their glass because she was not Muslim. She always denied having committed blasphemy.

Her case caught the attention of then Punjab provincial governor Salman Taseer who spoke in Bibi's defense before being assassinated by his bodyguard in 2011. The TLP was founded out of a movement to support Taseer's assassin, who was hanged in 2016.

Federal minister for minorities Shahbaz Bhatti was also killed after calling for her release.

Bibi's whereabouts are unknown, but the TLP has warned the authorities against taking her out of the country.

"There will be a war if they send Asia out of country," TLP leader Khadim Hussain Rizvi said after the deal with the government was reached.

Islamist parties have characterized Bibi's release as Pakistan's government caving into Western demands.

https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/11/04/world/asia/04reuters-pakistan-blasphemy.html

 

[MenInG]

The husband of a Pakistani Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy after eight years on death row has pleaded for asylum from the UK, US or Canada.

Asia Bibi's husband, Ashiq Masih, said they were in great danger in Pakistan.

The Supreme Court overturned her conviction on Wednesday, saying the case against her was based on flimsy evidence. But she has yet to be freed.

Her acquittal sparked violent protests, and the government has now agreed to try to stop her leaving the country.

On Saturday, her lawyer, Saif Mulook, fled Pakistan, saying he feared for his life.

Asia Noreen - commonly known as Asia Bibi - was convicted in 2010 of insulting the Prophet Muhammad during a row with neighbours.

Several countries have offered her asylum.

What does her husband say?
In a video message, Mr Masih said he feared for his family's safety.

"I am requesting the prime minister of the UK help us and as far as possible grant us freedom," he said.

He also called on Canadian and US leaders for help.

Earlier, in an interview with German broadcaster DW, he said he and his family were "frightened" after Pakistan's authorities struck a deal with the hardline Tehreek-i-Labaik (TLP) party in order to end protests over Asia Bibi's acquittal.

As part of the agreement, officials will start proceedings to bar her from leaving the country.

The government will also not prevent protesters legally challenging the Supreme Court decision to release her.

"The agreement has sent a shiver down my spine," Mr Masih told DW. "It is wrong to set a precedent in which you pile pressure onto the judiciary."

"The current situation is very dangerous for us. We have no security and are hiding here and there, frequently changing our location."

He added: "My wife, Asia Bibi, has already suffered greatly. She has spent 10 years in jail. My daughters were dying to see her free, but now this review petition will prolong her plight."

UK MP Tom Tugendhat, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee in Parliament, said he had asked the Home Office for an "urgent evaluation of the situation", the Guardian reported.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudry told the BBC that security had been "beefed up" to protect Asia Bibi.

"Yes, there is a situation and we are dealing with it, but I assure you that her life is not in danger," he told the BBC's Newshour programme.

He described the government's deal with the protesters as "firefighting", saying it helped to "resolve the situation without resorting to violence".

What was Asia Bibi accused of?
The trial stems from an argument Asia Bibi had with a group of women in June 2009.

They were harvesting fruit when a row broke out about a bucket of water. The women said that because she had used a cup, they could no longer touch it, as her faith had made it unclean.

Prosecutors alleged that in the row which followed, the women said Asia Bibi should convert to Islam and that she made offensive comments about the Prophet Muhammad in response.

She was later beaten up at her home, during which her accusers say she confessed to blasphemy. She was arrested after a police investigation.

In Wednesday's ruling, the Supreme Court said that the case was based on unreliable evidence and her confession was delivered in front of a crowd "threatening to kill her".

Why is this case so divisive?
Islam is Pakistan's national religion and underpins its legal system. Public support for the strict blasphemy laws is strong.

Hard-line politicians have often backed severe punishments, partly as a way of shoring up their support base.

But critics say the laws have often been used to get revenge after personal disputes, and that convictions are based on thin evidence.

The vast majority of those convicted are Muslims or members of the Ahmadi community, but since the 1990s scores of Christians have been convicted. They make up just 1.6% of the population.

The Christian community has been targeted by numerous attacks in recent years, leaving many feeling vulnerable to a climate of intolerance.

Since 1990, at least 65 people have reportedly been killed in Pakistan over claims of blasphemy.'

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46085577

 

[Syed1]

Don't blame him... He should do everything in his power to take her out of the country. These rabid mullahs will try their best to kill her.

 

[pakistani pride]

How low can you sink as a country.
PAK has a long LONG way to go.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Why do these people always request refuge in countries like America, UK and Canada? Why not South Africa or Japan for a change? Do Pakistanis see us as an easy touch for a good life?

 

[blackanhyellow]

Why do these people always request refuge in countries like America, UK and Canada? Why not South Africa or Japan for a change? Do Pakistanis see us as an easy touch for a good life?

You are of Pakistani origin, your family chose the UK. I imagine the refugees have similar reasons for choosing these countries.

 

[Syed1]

Why do these people always request refuge in countries like America, UK and Canada? Why not South Africa or Japan for a change? Do Pakistanis see us as an easy touch for a good life?

Irony just died a thousand deaths

 

[Slog]

Honestly... I cant even complain at this...

Good luck and may she and her family stay safe

Imagine what her husband and kids have gone through for last decade and now continue have to go through. Hopefully atleast, in their distress and fear, they are able to recognize that some sections of society do want the best for them and have justice prevail

 

[MenInG]

Problem is there will be some who will going "See we always knew she was a [Yehudi/Christian/Hindu/Non Islamic] plant"

 

[Buffet]

Honestly... I cant even complain at this...

Good luck and may she and her family stay safe

Imagine what her husband and kids have gone through for last decade and now continue have to go through. Hopefully atleast, in their distress and fear, they are able to recognize that some sections of society do want the best for them and have justice prevail

I suspect that section of society is in majority in Pakistan, but vocal minority gets all attention. It's very sad situation for this family. Education is the key and hopefully there is big focus on education.

 

[slipcatch]

Pick Canada.

Universal Health care.
Cheap education.
People are generally nicer.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

You are of Pakistani origin, your family chose the UK. I imagine the refugees have similar reasons for choosing these countries.

I can only think it was because of the links with British empire which was still fresh in the minds of people from India and Pakistan back then. Obviously America and Canada have become upgrades since then.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Problem is there will be some who will going "See we always knew she was a [Yehudi/Christian/Hindu/Non Islamic] plant"

Because of her situation, she is obviously going to be giving negative interviews about her horrific experience when she lands here or Canada. I can see Imran Khan getting criticism for allowing her to leave and badmouth the country as well.

 

[Buffet]

I can only think it was because of the links with British empire which was still fresh in the minds of people from India and Pakistan back then. Obviously America and Canada have become upgrades since then.

Total number of Pakistani American in US in 2010 - 400K

Increase in British Pakistani in UK in 10 years( 2001-2011) - 400K+

 

[MenInG]

Because of her situation, she is obviously going to be giving negative interviews about her horrific experience when she lands here or Canada. I can see Imran Khan getting criticism for allowing her to leave and badmouth the country as well.

looking like a no win for IK

He lets her go she will end up speaking ill of country
He doesnt let her go, there will be a outcry

 

[Buffet]

looking like a no win for IK

He lets her go she will end up speaking ill of country
He doesnt let her go, there will be a outcry

Highlighting bad situation may look bad in short term, but it helps in long term.

 

[MenInG]

ROME: Italy said on Tuesday it would help a Pakistani Christian woman, Aasia Bibi, leave her country because her life was in danger following charges of blasphemy that put her on death row for eight years.

The Supreme Court had acquitted Aasia Bibi last month, but the decision sparked mass protests and her husband, Ashiq Masih, says they could be killed by those opposing her acquittal. Authorities have indicated they may bar Aasia from travelling abroad.

“I want women and children whose lives are at risk to be able to have a secure future, in our country or in other Western countries, so I will do everything humanly possible to guarantee that [for Aasia],” Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said. “It is not permissible that in 2018 someone can risk losing their life for a ... hypothesis of blasphemy,” said Salvini, who is also interior minister.

Italy is working discreetly on the case with other countries, he told an Italian radio station.

Earlier, the international Catholic agency Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) quoted Ashiq Masih as saying in a telephone call: “I appeal to the Italian government to help me and my family leave Pakistan. We are extremely worried because our lives are in danger. We don’t even have enough to eat because we can’t go out to buy food.”

In the interview with the radio station, Salvini was asked to respond to Aasia’s husband’s appeal.

Aasia’s case has prompted groups such as ACN, which has close ties to the Vatican, to demand protection for Christians in countries where they are a minority.

Soon after the Supreme Court verdict, the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) blocked roads in major cities of the country for three days, condemning the judges who acquitted Aasia Bibi, Prime Minister Imran Khan and the army chief.

The TLP called off the protests after striking a deal with the government that could bar Aasia from leaving the country and open a review of the judgement.

Aasia’s lawyer Saiful Mulook fled to the Netherlands because of fears for his safety.

Two prominent Pakistani politicians who spoke out in Aasia’s defence were assassinated in 2011.

Deputy Prime Minister Salvini said Italy had nothing against the Pakistani government. “The enemy is violence, extremism and fanaticism,” he added.

Ashiq Masih and one of the couple’s two daughters met Pope Francis at the Vatican in February and participated in a demonstration organised by the ACN in which Rome’s Coliseum was lit in red to bring attention to the woman’s plight.

The group plans to dye parts of the Grand Canal in Venice red at another demonstration this month

https://www.dawn.com/news/1444106/italy-says-it-will-help-aasia-leave-pakistan

 

[Buffet]

UK 'Won't Offer Asylum To Asia Bibi Amid Security Concerns'

UK 'Won't Offer Asylum To Asia Bibi Amid Security Concerns'

The British Pakistani Christian Association said UK government is concerned about "unrest among certain sections of the community."

A Pakistani Christian woman’s appeal to Britain for asylum has been denied because her arrival in the country may stir civil unrest, HuffPost UK has been told.

Asia Bibi, a Christian farm labourer, was released from prison in Pakistan on Wednesday after being acquitted of blasphemy. She had spent eight years on death row after an argument with a group of Muslim women in June 2009.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan overturned Bibi’s 2010 conviction for “insulting the prophet Mohammed” last week, saying the case against her was based on flimsy evidence.

But her acquittal sparked violent protests led by Islamic religious hardliners, and the government has now agreed to try to stop her leaving the country.

On Saturday her lawyer, Saif Mulook, fled Pakistan, saying he feared for his life. Bibi’s husband, Ashiq Masih, has also released a video message saying he too fears for his family’s safety.


“I am requesting the Prime Minister of the UK help us and as far as possible grant us freedom,” he said.

But campaigners working to secure Bibi’s move abroad said the UK government had not offered her asylum, citing security concerns.

Wilson Chowdhry, chairman of the British Pakistani Christian Association, said two countries had made firm offers of asylum, but Britain was not one of them.

“I’ve been lead to believe that the UK government had concerns that her moving to the UK would cause security concerns and unrest among certain sections of the community and would also be a security threat to British embassies abroad which might be targeted by Islamist terrorists.

“Asia and her family have now decided to take up one of the offers for asylum from a western country.”

The Home Office said it could not comment on individual cases.

Chowdhry, who once lived just streets away from recently released hate preacher Anjem Choudary, pointed to a number of incidents of Pakistani Christians being violently assaulted.

Tajamal Amar, 46, fled to the UK from Pakistan 10 years ago after being targeted in a drive-by shooting by Islamists who wanted to convert him. He was working as a delivery driver in Derby in October 2017 when he was attacked by “young local Muslim men”.

Amar told HuffPost UK that it was the third time in 12 months he had been targeted in the UK because of his Christian faith.

He said: “I came to the UK to get away from being attacked and so I never expected that the same would happen to me here.

“This country is still better than Pakistan where anti-minority feeling is in the mainstream.”

No-one has been arrested for the attack on Amar, which left him in a coma and with lesions to his brain, but he believes he knows his attackers.

Chowdhry did say “the majority of the British Muslim population are fine with us”, and said it was a small extremist fringe who were against Pakistani Christians.

According to Home Office statistics there were 8,336 religious hate crimes in the last two years – a 40% rise from the preceding two years.

The statistics showed that there were 264 recorded hate crimes against Christians last year, making up 5% of religious hate crimes – compared to 52% of such crimes being against Muslims.

In Europe the Dutch government has designated Pakistani Christians as a “high risk group”, opening the door for them to receive special considerations as refugees in the country.

But Khalid Mahmood, a Muslim MP from Birmingham, said relations between Pakistani Christians and Muslims in Britain are generally good.

He said: “Yes there may be a tiny minority on the extremist fringes of Islam who might resort to violence against Pakistani Christians but they will attack anyone who isn’t Muslim.

“It would be wrong to suggest that the general Muslim population in the UK is prejudiced against or hates Pakistani Christians.”

He said despite tensions, many Pakistani people living in the UK have a “shared culture.”

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/en...tian_uk_5be3342be4b0dbe871a61b95?guccounter=1

----------------------------------------

There could be some nut cases who may take life over blasphemy issue in UK, but are they in huge numbers to influence British Government decision?

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Honestly I doubt the UK would be safe for her. Such a messed up situation. Where ever she goes she will need a new identity and protection, these fools will always tail here.

I’m not one to say this lightly but this entire scenario has epitomised the worst of Pakistan

 

[Buffet]

Honestly I doubt the UK would be safe for her. Such a messed up situation. Where ever she goes she will need a new identity and protection, these fools will always tail here.

I’m not one to say this lightly but this entire scenario has epitomised the worst of Pakistan

There are many countries where Pakistani origin population won't be that high. She should be relatively safe there.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Honestly I doubt the UK would be safe for her. Such a messed up situation. Where ever she goes she will need a new identity and protection, these fools will always tail here.

I’m not one to say this lightly but this entire scenario has epitomised the worst of Pakistan

Unless she goes shouting in the streets against Pakistan or Islam, there is little to no risk for her. The UK doesn't want to allow her in because then thousands more from Pakistan and other nations will also want to enter in the UK as asylum seekers.

 

[PakLFC]

It is for the Pak government to protect her. The UK has plenty of hard line Muslim's who will not spare this lady if she were to be granted asylum.

 

[Yossarian]

I suspect that section of society is in majority in Pakistan, but vocal minority gets all attention. It's very sad situation for this family. Education is the key and hopefully there is big focus on education.

Nah. You can't educate the mad mullahs, the half--witted Imams, and the mentally challenged maulvis, all who brainwash the ignorant masses, extolling them to rampage down the streets destroying properties and threatening, or even murdering, those who simply disagree.

The only effective solution is for someone to invent some sort of contagious disease, that only affects these bigoted preachers, a disease that is very painful in 'sensitive' regions of the body and has no cure, with a side-effect of making the affected individual impotent and sterile so that they breed no more carriers of their genes.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Nah. You can't educate the mad mullahs, the half--witted Imams, and the mentally challenged maulvis, all who brainwash the ignorant masses, extolling them to rampage down the streets destroying properties and threatening, or even murdering, those who simply disagree.

The only effective solution is for someone to invent some sort of contagious disease, that only affects these bigoted preachers, a disease that is very painful in 'sensitive' regions of the body and has no cure, with a side-effect of making the affected individual impotent and sterile so that they breed no more carriers of their genes.

I think the bigger issue is with those who follow such people. Since the war of terror and it's linked propaganda many feel the war is also against Islam and then you have some people who want to do the same or worse in return, which they feel are crimes against them, their religion but not if they do the same. This mentality is not unique to them, the US claims it suffered from terrorism but in return reacted with a 100X more terrorism and this is supposed to be a civilised nation.

 

[Gilly]

I think the bigger issue is with those who follow such people. Since the war of terror and it's linked propaganda many feel the war is also against Islam and then you have some people who want to do the same or worse in return, which they feel are crimes against them, their religion but not if they do the same. This mentality is not unique to them, the US claims it suffered from terrorism but in return reacted with a 100X more terrorism and this is supposed to be a civilised nation.

I thought you would be here to defend the terrorists.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I thought you would be here to defend the terrorists.

Ironic coming from someone who supports a Trumps racism and enjoys Nato's invading and state terrorism.

Im not sure how im defending anything with what I wrote, perhaps the enlightened folk of Aus can be more clear?

 

[Gilly]

Ironic coming from someone who supports a Trumps racism and enjoys Nato's invading and state terrorism.

Im not sure how im defending anything with what I wrote, perhaps the enlightened folk of Aus can be more clear?

For someone who supports terrorism its ironic that you ask for enlightenment, even though I know you are being sarcastic.

 

[KingKhanWC]

For someone who supports terrorism its ironic that you ask for enlightenment, even though I know you are being sarcastic.

Show me where I have supported terrorism? You support Donald Trump, a racist and a hater or disabled people and you support bombing of people.

 

[Gilly]

Show me where I have supported terrorism? You support Donald Trump, a racist and a hater or disabled people and you support bombing of people.

Being someone who is not racist and have someone like you who constantly calls me racist and then say I support bombing people simply because I am white shows me you have the same mindset as a extremist.

You tick all the boxes with your hate speech.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Being someone who is not racist and have someone like you who constantly calls me racist and then say I support bombing people simply because I am white shows me you have the same mindset as a extremist.

You tick all the boxes with your hate speech.

Read again, I said you support a racist which you do. You support Australia flying to nations which did nothing to you and bomb people. So you support a racist and state terrorism and you call me an extremist lol. Please dont make a bigger fool of yourself and make claims against people which you can not back up.

 

[Gilly]

Read again, I said you support a racist which you do. You support Australia flying to nations which did nothing to you and bomb people. So you support a racist and state terrorism and you call me an extremist lol. Please dont make a bigger fool of yourself and make claims against people which you can not back up.

And you support extremists, its just going around and around and I dont want to keep arguing with an extremist because they are so set in their hardline ways. Find someone else to spew your extremist views on.

 

[KingKhanWC]

And you support extremists, its just going around and around and I dont want to keep arguing with an extremist because they are so set in their hardline ways. Find someone else to spew your extremist views on.

Difference is you cannot prove your claim. We will leave it here, go and smile at your Trump poster on your bedroom wall.

 

[Gilly]

Difference is you cannot prove your claim. We will leave it here, go and smile at your Trump poster on your bedroom wall.

Thanks, but its not a poster its a full size photo signed by the racist himself.

 

[slipcatch]

Thanks, but its not a poster its a full size photo signed by the racist himself.

Trump may be not racist but every racist believe he is.
So it gets really difficult for a common person to distinguish, especially, if that white person falling for a propaganda.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

I think the bigger issue is with those who follow such people. Since the war of terror and it's linked propaganda many feel the war is also against Islam and then you have some people who want to do the same or worse in return, which they feel are crimes against them, their religion but not if they do the same. This mentality is not unique to them, the US claims it suffered from terrorism but in return reacted with a 100X more terrorism and this is supposed to be a civilised nation.

A lot of this imams in Pakistan are basically feudal Lords

They are an imam because their father was an imam and his father before him and so on. They hold onto power angering People and keeping them stupid

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Unless she goes shouting in the streets against Pakistan or Islam, there is little to no risk for her. The UK doesn't want to allow her in because then thousands more from Pakistan and other nations will also want to enter in the UK as asylum seekers.

It's true thee would be almost no risk to her in reality, but it only takes one deranged person to commit an act of terror, so I suppose the logic is, that a country which has a significant Pakistani population is a higher risk for her than one with a smaller one.

 

[yasir]

looking like a no win for IK

He lets her go she will end up speaking ill of country
He doesnt let her go, there will be a outcry

I am baffled by your expectations from Assi bibi and her family. Pakistan ruined her 10 years on stupid charges, not only that half of Pakistan wants to kill her as if she is worse traitor of country, she is an innocent, poor lady, WTH Pakistanis will gain by killing her?? their Prophet will only shrink in size with these measures...Nation should have little divinity, going after poor girl, kyahaan hai Mulk key Gayarat?? And you expect her to go gaga about Pakistan

IK, Army and SC have no face left to show, same Army and SC got rid of two elected PM, like they were nobody, ironically using the same Mulvis.... These Mulvis openingly threaten all of them in way more harsh tone... Whole world is watching, how strong Pakistani institutions are... Karma has weird ways of showing up

 

[yasir]

A lot of this imams in Pakistan are basically feudal Lords

They are an imam because their father was an imam and his father before him and so on. They hold onto power angering People and keeping them stupid

Let’s put where blame lies, these Mulvis have very little to do with Fedualism, these are product of Army’s investment in Islam ( specially the hardline one) as strategic weapon.

Pakistan could have gotten out of those investments back at the end of Afghan War, Army kept them alive(they will helps us war against India, that was the stated reason, that still is if you ask men in boots), we could have gotten out of it in 2001, Pakistan could have got rid of lot if not all of debt, plus lot of software outsource business from US in return, but what to expect from General who started Kargal War for no reason....

In last 4 decades, Pakistan’s biggest product is Mulvis, they come in all shapes and sizes. Tabligis is something very new, feudalism exist for 1000s of years, but Tabligis are no more than 30 years old, they have rotten every facet of Pakistani society, no department, corner of society is left which they have not poison, they are integral part of Ultra Conservative Pakistani culture, which is dominate culture now. and this is not theee most so called harmless investment. The real ones are the violent ones the Tilaban, Sipa Sibha, LTT, all kind of terrorist groups and new wave is this Prophet business... All these Mulla Bombs have only exploded in Pakistan. India is very happy with these strategic investments. It has harmed them very little and completely destroyed Pakistan. Yet whole Pakistan is still in love with Army and religion. If you have diabetes, sugar is going to kill you, you need to change your life style. Invest in different culture.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Let’s put where blame lies, these Mulvis have very little to do with Fedualism, these are product of Army’s investment in Islam ( specially the hardline one) as strategic weapon.

Pakistan could have gotten out of those investments back at the end of Afghan War, Army kept them alive(they will helps us war against India, that was the stated reason, that still is if you ask men in boots), we could have gotten out of it in 2001, Pakistan could have got rid of lot if not all of debt, plus lot of software outsource business from US in return, but what to expect from General who started Kargal War for no reason....

In last 4 decades, Pakistan’s biggest product is Mulvis, they come in all shapes and sizes. Tabligis is something very new, feudalism exist for 1000s of years, but Tabligis are no more than 30 years old, they have rotten every facet of Pakistani society, no department, corner of society is left which they have not poison, they are integral part of Ultra Conservative Pakistani culture, which is dominate culture now. and this is not theee most so called harmless investment. The real ones are the violent ones the Tilaban, Sipa Sibha, LTT, all kind of terrorist groups and new wave is this Prophet business... All these Mulla Bombs have only exploded in Pakistan. India is very happy with these strategic investments. It has harmed them very little and completely destroyed Pakistan. Yet whole Pakistan is still in love with Army and religion. If you have diabetes, sugar is going to kill you, you need to change your life style. Invest in different culture.

its very true the military has used a lot of these people but these hereditary lines have always been there since the time of the Mughals. That doesnt excuse those who use them, but to say its a recent issue is denying history

 

[saeedhk]

looking like a no win for IK

He lets her go she will end up speaking ill of country
He doesnt let her go, there will be a outcry

With what she has been through, it would be fully justified for her to speak ill of the country.What has this country given her?

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

With what she has been through, it would be fully justified for her to speak ill of the country.What has this country given her?

Sounds like some some judges put their life on the line by clearing her of the charges. The govt is currently in negotiations with Canada to arrange her to get citizenship there. It might not be a lot, but still better than allowing a crazed mob of fanatics to put her to death.

 

[Markhor]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46193439

Three British imams have joined calls for the UK to offer asylum to Asia Bibi, the Pakistani Christian woman recently acquitted of blasphemy.

It comes after former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, and other politicians, urged the government to help her.

Ms Bibi was freed last week after eight years on death row, sparking violent protests in Pakistan from Islamists.

Her husband has said the family is in danger and has pleaded for asylum from the UK, US or Canada.

Prominent British Muslims, including three imams - Qari Asim, Mamadou Bocoum and Dr Usama Hasan - have written a letter to Home Secretary Sajid Javid asking him "to make a clear and proactive statement that Britain would welcome a request for sanctuary here".

The letter, also signed by MPs from across the political divide, goes on: "We are confident that action to ensure Asia Bibi and her family are safe would be very widely welcomed by most people in Britain, across every faith in our society.

"If there are intolerant fringe voices who would object, they must be robustly challenged, not indulged."

Great stuff.

 

[shaaik]

Aasia Bibi's lawyer concerned over his family's security in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Fearing for the safety of his kin, Aasia Bibi’s counsel Saiful Malook has approached the United Nations to ensure his family’s security.

Aasia Bibi had been acquitted by the Supreme Court off blasphemy charges on October 31. The decision sparked countrywide demonstrations with protesters, led by Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP), threatening the state, army and judiciary.

Aasia Bibi’s lawyer says wants to stay in Netherlands
The violent protests forced Malook to board a plane to the Netherlands on November 3. He told The Express Tribune about threats from sections of lawyers and it is difficult for him to practice in the prevailing situation.

“In the current scenario, it’s not possible for me to live in Pakistan,” the 62-year-old told AFP. “I need to stay alive as I still have to fight the legal battle for Aasia Bibi.”

Malook is currently in The Hague and has hinted on seeking political asylum.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Malook expressed concerns about his family’s safety in Pakistan. He said he had written to the UN office in Pakistan seeking security for his family. Malook was dismayed at the inadequate security provided to his family by the authorities.

UN denies forcing Aasia’s lawyer to leave

The senior lawyer revealed an excerpt from his speech at the European Parliament wherein he credited Justice Asif Saeed Khosa for the decision. In his address, Malook dismissed chances of a review petition being entertained in the matter.

Malook is scheduled to meet EU Parliament President Antonio Tajani later today.

In an earlier conversation with The Express Tribune, Malook had clarified that he would return to Pakistan to represent Aasia at hearing of the review petition if the army provided him security.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1846946/1-aasia-bibis-lawyer-concerned-familys-security-pakistan/