Pakistani Christian woman Asia Bibi, “who spent 8 years on death row after being accused of ‘blasphemy’ for drinking water from a Muslim’s cup,” has been described as a symbol of Pakistan’s obnoxious laws.
Her story, which recently gained traction on social media, was shared by a prominent Nigerian preacher and Christian Apologist Ibrahim Dikko, who underscored that she has “become an internationally recognised symbol for the victims of Pakistan’s strict blasphemy laws.”
Accusation and Trial
In 2009, while working as a farm labourer, Bibi was asked to fetch water. After taking a sip from the cup, her Muslim co-workers expressed outrage, claiming her use of the cup made the water “unclean.”
“Christians are considered dirty and impure in Islam, and she was accused of attempting to contaminate the Muslims’ water just by drinking from their cup,” Dikko, best known for his remarkable conversion story from Islam to Christianity, lamented.
Her action led to accusations from her co-workers and a local cleric that she had made derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad.
In 2010, she became the first woman in Pakistan sentenced to death for blasphemy under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code, spending nearly eight years on death row.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan overturned her conviction in 2018, citing a lack of credible evidence and significant inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.
Unrest in Pakistan, International Backlash
The acquittal ignited widespread and violent protests driven by religious hardliners, paralyzing various regions of the country and prompting calls for her execution despite the court’s decision.
In 2011, two prominent politicians—Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer and Minority Affairs Minister Shahbaz Bhatti—were assassinated after advocating for her defense and urging reforms to the blasphemy laws.
Apologist Dikko claimed that “A local poll found that 10 million Pakistanis would personally kill her if given the chance. Just for drinking water from a Muslim’s cup, adding that, that was why “Her lawyer had to flee the country.”
Exile and Current Life
Following the affirmation of her acquittal in a subsequent court review in 2019, she was safely evacuated from Pakistan. Bibi and her family were granted asylum in Canada, where she now leads a quiet life in a secure, undisclosed location.
Although she prioritises her safety, she occasionally shares her experiences and advocates for religious freedom.
Her legal battle captured global attention from human rights organizations, governments, and the Vatican, highlighting the realities of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws in the international media.
After her acquittal was upheld in a subsequent court review in 2019, she was safely evacuated from Pakistan.
Bibi and her family have since been granted asylum in Canada, where she confidently embraces a new chapter of her life in a secure, undisclosed location.
While she values her safety, she remains committed to sharing her experiences and championing religious freedom.
Her legal battle has drawn significant international attention from human rights organisations, governments, and even the Vatican, effectively shedding light on the harsh realities of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws in the global media.
The Nigerian Evangelist decried the situation, stressing, “This is Pakistan, where non-Muslims live under the constant threat of death.”
Editor’s Note: Featured photo is courtesy of Evangelist Ibrahim Dikko.
