Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – “Islam is the true religion; convert to Islam!”: this is the invitation by a Pakistani radical Islamic organisation, led by Malik Shaib, to promoters of a pro-Asia Bibi demonstration to be held on 26 January in Rome. The demonstration, known as “Italy for Asia Bibi: freedom, justice, human rights” has been promoted by a group of parliamentarians and Italian civil associations: Association of Parliamentary Friends of Pakistan (which brings together members from all corners of politics); Association of Italy-Pakistan International Cooperation (Isiamed); Association of Pakistani Christians in Italy; Amnesty International – Italian Section; Community of Sant'Egidio; TV2000; Religions for Peace; Humanitarian Padana Onlus.
The invitation, written in Urdu, Pakistan's radical organization and forwarded to the Organising Committee, which has now informed the agency Fides, shows how the international initiatives enjoy attention and are significant for the scenario of Pakistan.
The demonstration aims to reaffirm the urgency of respect for religious freedom, dignity and inalienable rights of all Pakistani citizens, of any religion; to launch a message of peace, closeness and solidarity to Asia Bibi, seeking her immediate release. It also calls for the abolition of the blasphemy law and the death penalty in Pakistan. The initiative involves more than 35 associations from the academic world, the Catholic world, from other religious communities such as Sikhs, Jews and Muslims, giving a visible sign of the extensive involvement of civil society in Italy.
The Association of Pakistani Christians in Italy revealed to Fides: “We thank the promoters and supporters. We want to fight for the freedom of Asia Bibi and we intend to send a message to Pakistani President Ali Zardari. We trust in the Pakistani justice system that it will verify her innocence. We support the abolition of the blasphemy law (art 295b and 295c) because it is exploited for private vendettas and jealousies, which have nothing to do with insulting the Prophet or the Koran.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 21/1/2011)
