Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) – The Pakistani Christian community in the United Kingdom has taken up the case of Asia Bibi and is providing legal assistance for the woman. The Pakistani community in the United Kingdom has a population of over one million people of first-generation immigrants, including about 70,000 Christians.
Despite the involvement of several Christian NGOs based in Pakistan - as well as the generous offer of some eminent Muslim lawyers like Muhammad Aslam Khaki - the case of Asia Bibi is being run today by the Masih Foundation led by Haroon Barket Masih, a wealthy Pakistani Christian who lives in the United Kingdom. The Foundation has assumed the defense of Asia and has chosen high profile lawyers who are overseeing the appeal in the High Court of Lahore. The Foundation also provides assistance to the relatives of the woman, who are now living in Lahore. As Fides has learned, in the coming days, the Masih Foundation will announce the details of the legal process and on their conversations with government officials, pending the first hearing before the High Court. The Anglo-Saxon legal tradition, note sources of Fides, "is a guarantee for the case of Asia," as everyone expects the Court to allow new investigations on the case.
The support of the Pakistani community in England has been seen in the British Pakistani Christian Association's launching a petition to the British government for the release of Asia Bibi and the abolition of the blasphemy law. It has also announced a contribution of £25,000 to cover court costs and to provide a legal defense for Asia at the highest levels. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 19/11/2010)
