Asia Bibi is free at last

Pakistan's most famous blasphemy law victim Asia Bibi has finally released from her homeland where she was in solitary confinement for almost 10 years.

At 1am this morning, the British Pakistani Christian Association received confirmation from a British diplomat that Asia Bibi had safely exited Pakistan and will be reunited with her children.

Asia Bibi bravely held on to her faith through the most brutal of incarcerations that involved her having access to sunlight for two hours per month.

A wife and mother of four children, Asia has never learnt to read. She worked as a berry-picker. Asia was beaten and raped for an alleged blasphemy offence in June 2009 when she reacted to the abusive treatment she was receiving for drinking from the same well as Muslims. While she was being beaten and berated by women colleagues she simply uttered the words 'my Christ died for me what did Muhammed do for you?' The men workers from her berry field then began their attack and returned with a mob a few days later to lynch her.

Other local Christians called the police to get her put into safe custody but then a local Imam accused her of blasphemy and stated that he had personally witnessed the blasphemy despite being at neither event where the alleged crimes took place.

Asia Bibi failed her High Court Appeal in November 2016, however on 31st October 2018 a Supreme Court Appeal exonerated her. Following the decision, rioters calling for her death brought the country to a standstill. The country's prime minister Imran Khan capitulated to the demands of extremists. Although the decision was made through Pakistan's Apex Court, Asia was forced to remain in the country to address an appeal to the Supreme Court decision, submitted by extremist group Tehreek-e-lebaaik.

On 29th January, three months after her acquittal by the Supreme Court, the court finally quashed the petition by Tehreek-e-Labaaik finally declaring Asia Bibi free and freeing her from her original charges completely.

On 11 April 2019, Prime Minister Imran Khan stated that a "complication" has delayed the departure of Asia Bibi from the country.

British Pakistani Christian Association Chairman, Wilson Chowdhry has been communicating with the husband of Asia Bibi daily up until Monday 6th May 2019, he said:

"Ashiq has always remained hopeful of an imminent release from Pakistan and we have both been shocked at how long it has taken. Asia Bibi and Ashiq have remained resolute in their faith and have prayed daily for their release and today God has answered their prayers.

"BPCA are grateful that we have been able to be a part of this family's journey to freedom and will continue to pray for them and assist them where we can."

He added: "Having spoken to various diplomats and Government officials I have been astounded by reports that the delay was caused by the myopic approach by leaders of Pakistan's military who have prevented the exit of Asia Bibi through fear of the bad press the nation of Pakistan would receive.

"Their pernicious delays have only served to fuel more international shame on a country which has already hit rock-bottom with their poor human rights record. Asia Bibi is unwell and has suffered 10 years of isolation both in and out of captivity - she must be treated with utmost care and receive appropriate medical care now she is free.

"The Pakistani Government must ensure Asia and her family are compensated for the loss to their freedom and the fragile safety they have had to suffer under their auspices. Moreover moves must be made to reform or abrogate the infamous blasphemy laws of Pakistan."

Several campaigns prior to Asia Bibi's conviction and since have failed to alter or remove the draconian blasphemy laws of Pakistan. These laws were introduced to India by Britain in 1860 to protect Muslims from Hindus, but the Pakistan Penal Code was islamised in the 1980's by dictator Zia Ul Haq and have since been used as a tool for discrimination by Islamists and to exhort property and settle vendettas with Christians and Ahmadis by Muslims.

The British Pakistani Christian Association has continued to track and support 14 Christian blasphemy accused, besides Asia Bibi throughout the years.

Blasphemy victims in jail, supported by BPCA

Shugafta & Shafqat - Accusation of Sending Blasphemous msg - Jul-2013

Shezad Masih - Using Blasphemous words - Jul-2017

Qaiser Ayub - Using Blasphemous words - Nov-2014

Sawan Masih - Blasphemous Comments - Nov-2013

Imran Masih - Blasphemous Video in phone - May-2016

Nabeel Masih - Posting a derogatory image on social media - Oct-2016

Perzvaiz Masih - Using Blasphemous words - Sep-2015

Patras Masih - Posting a derogatory image on social media - Feb-2018

Awais Qamar - Using PVC banner as carpet which had religious words - Jul-2015

Humayun Faisal - Burnt shreds of the Quran in a pile of garbage - May-2015

Ishfaq Masih - Using Blasphemous words - Jun-2017

Asif Stephen - Burning of Quran 0 Aug-2017

Nadeem Masih - Blasphemous poem through text msg - Oct-2015

Yaqoob Bashir - Burning Booklet containing Quranic verses- Jun-2015

British Pakistani Christian Association, continues to provide advocacy and humanitarian aid to Christians in Pakistan and the Pakistan-Christian diaspora. For more information see: www.britishpakistanichristians.org