Christians Woman’s Death Sentence Suspended in Pakistan

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Pakistan’s Supreme Court has temporarily suspended the death sentence of Asia Bibi, a Christian mother sentenced to death under Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws.

The court has granted Bibi’s petition for appeal her conviction giving her a chance to be fully acquitted of the blasphemy charges that have seen her on death row since 2010.

Talking to ICC after the court made its decision, Saif-ul-Malook, Bibi’s Supreme Court Advocate, said, “The standard of evidence which is required to prove [this] offence is not available in this case. Therefore, I am optimistic that the honourable court will acquit my client.”

Peter Jacob, Executive Director of the Center for Social Justice, told ICC: “This is a procedural development and a small win for Asia that the Supreme Court has accepted her petition for review. However, the outcome of this case will now depend on how it is presented to the court.”

Now [the] government must share the responsibility [so] that the case is not influenced by [forces] outside of the court,” Peter Jacob continued. “If [the] government chooses to educate the public on the misuse of the blasphemy laws, then Asia’s case is the best opportunity to repair some of the damages that have been caused by abusing this law.”

For many, the blasphemy case against Bibi has become symbolic of how Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are widely abused and of how religious minorities are persecuted, and for the Christian community of Pakistan, the court’s decision today provides hope for a better future.

• Give thanks for the Court’s decision to allow Bibi to appeal her death sentence, and for the hope of justice that this decision gives to many Christians in Pakistan.
• Pray for protection for Bibi and her family, in the light of this decision.
• Pray for those who still seek Bib’s death, that they will encounter the Risen Christ and come to the knowledge of His truth and life.
• Pray for the Government to put in place measures to protect Christians and other religious minorities.

Psalm 140 vs 12: “I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.”

Source: www.persecution.org