Asia Bibi losing hope on death row: family

Published November 1, 2014
Protesters hold up placards while demanding the release of Asia Bibi. – Reuters Photo/File
Protesters hold up placards while demanding the release of Asia Bibi. – Reuters Photo/File

LAHORE: A Christian woman condemned to death four years ago for blasphemy is losing hope that she will be freed or pardoned, her husband said on Friday.

Asia Bibi has been on death row since November 2010 after she was found guilty of making derogatory remarks about the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) during an argument with a Muslim woman.

The Lahore High Court confirmed the death sentence two weeks ago, dashing hopes it might be commuted to a jail term.

Speaking to AFP after visiting his wife for the first time since the court’s ruling, Ashiq Masih said it had come as a crushing blow.

“Asia was hopeful that her appeal would be admitted and she would be freed, but now she has lost hope,” said Ashiq, who lives in hiding because of his wife’s conviction. “She was distraught, weeping for most of the time I had with her, appealing to the Supreme Court and president to use their powers to give her justice.”

Ashiq, 50, lives with two of his five children and has to keep his identity secret as he scrapes together a living as a daily labourer.

Amnesty International has voiced concerns about the fairness of her trial and called for her release.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2014

Opinion

Editorial

Slow start
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Slow start

Despite high attendance, the NA managed to pass only a single money bill during this period.
Sindh lawlessness
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Sindh lawlessness

A recently released report describes the law and order situation in Karachi as “worryingly poor”.
Punjab budget
15 Jun, 2024

Punjab budget

PUNJAB’S budget for 2024-25 provides much fodder to those who believe that the increased provincial share from the...
Budget and politics
Updated 14 Jun, 2024

Budget and politics

PML-N, scared of taking bold steps lest it loses whatever little public support it has, has left its traditional support — traders — virtually untouched.
New talks?
14 Jun, 2024

New talks?

WILL this prove another false start, or may we expect a more sincere effort this time? Reference is made to the...
A non-starter
14 Jun, 2024

A non-starter

WHILE the UN Security Council had earlier this week adopted a US-backed resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza...