News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Asia-Bibi-2-main_article_image.jpg
World News

EXCLUSIVE: 'Pray for me', Asia Bibi's direct appeal to UK Christians from death row

The message was conveyed by her husband, Ashiq Bibi, who has travelled to the UK to highlight the plight of his wife.

Speaking through an interpreter, Mr Bibi told Premier: "She told [me] that the community must remember her in their prayers because this is an international country... [I] need international pressure for the release of Asia Bibi."

Mr Bibi said Asia's incarceration since 2009 has spelled nine years of "suffering" for the whole family.

He went on to say: "She always has said that Jesus is her life and she is living in the name of Jesus, and [trusting] that Jesus will help her."

Asia Bibi was sentenced to death for blasphemy in 2010 after being accused of insulting the Islamic prophet Muhammad, in a case which has generate huge controversy in Pakistan.

Supporters say there is no truth in the allegation, which was made five days after Asia caused offence by using a water bowl intended solely for Muslims. The subsequent legal battle has led to protests and assassinations in the south Asian nation.

Ashiq added: "We are suffering without Asia because she is the mother, she is the wife. As the husband, I am missing Asia and the daughters are also missing Asia."

Ashiq and Asia's daughter Eisham have been travelling across the UK attending talks - organised by the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need - to highlight their plight.

(from left to right: Premier's Alex Williams, Ashiq Bibi and Eisham Bibi)

It is as the Supreme Court in Pakistan is due to rule on an appeal against Asia's death sentence. An announcement on Monday this week was postponed - without a reason being given.

Speaking via a translator, Eisham told Premier: "[Eisham is] praying that her mother is with her as soon as possible and she is also requesting that you [Premier audiences] also pray for their family and especially for Asia.

"The family of Asia Bibi is always under threat and when Asia Bibi would be [sic] released from the jail she will never, ever be living in Pakistan [again]."

It has been claimed the case of Asia Bibi is just one example of how blasphemy laws in Pakistan have been misused to settle personal vendettas.

Fr Emmanuel Yousaf from the Catholic Church in Pakistan told Premier that minority groups - including Christians - are particularly vulnerable to such abuse of legislation.

He said: "Lesser citizens of Pakistan have been very, very badly disturbed by this.

"We are asking the government over there to take measures for some procedural change... so that this law is not misused by anybody."

Click here to listen to Premier's Alex Williams speaking with Ashiq Bibi:

Click here to listen to Premier's Alex Williams speaking with Eisham Bibi:

Click here to listen to Premier's Alex Williams speaking with Fr Emmanuel Yousaf at the Pakistan Catholic Bishops' Conference:

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate