Pakistani Christian on Death Row 'Forgives' Muslims For Sentence
Asia Bibi, a Pakistani woman on death row for committing blasphemy, recently gave her first interview behind bars where she admitted that she had to take precautions to protect her life.
Bibi, 46, was initially arrested in 2009 and placed in the high-security detention facility, District Jail Seikhupura. However, author and activist Pamela Geller was able to reach out to Bibi with the help of the Masihi Foundation that works for Pakistani Christians’ human rights and education.
The mother of five recently spoke to Geller about her struggles and how American Christians can help.
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“When I was arrested, I was assaulted and harassed by the police. I was in a state of shock for many days,” Bibi revealed. “I fasted and prayed. My family has been in trouble; they have been moving one place to another.”
Although Bibi said she was able to visit with her family for one hour per week, she still maintained that she is surrounded by harmful conditions.
“I am given raw material to cook for myself, since the administration fears I might be poisoned, as other Christians accused of blasphemy were poisoned or killed in the jail,” Bibi said. “Last week, a few hot words were exchanged with the warden over a minute issue, and she tried to strangle me. She has been suspended.”
Despite her circumstances, Bibi told Geller that she is hopeful for the future.
“I am waiting for a date from the Lahore High Court for the appeal regarding my death sentence. Masihi Foundation is supporting my family and has hired a lawyer for the case,” the Christian inmate said. “
Adding, “A petition has been filed at the Lahore High Court asking them to accept the case for hearing. I am hopeful that I will be released, although there is a bounty of about $8,000 offered by the Islamic clerics to anyone who will kill me.”
Bibi said her Christian supporters in America could help her situation by praying for her.
“I request them to pray and do something for the Christians in Pakistan who are suffering and persecuted. There are many other Christians in jails who need help,” she said. “The Christians in the U.S. can help the human rights organizations who fight for the persecuted, and become the voice of the voiceless.”
Still, Bibi said she will leave the situation in the hands of God and has forgiven those who are pursuing her death.
“I have forgiven the Muslims who put me and my family in this situation,” Bibi said. “I have left everything on God, I will accept his will.”
