Pakistan (MNN) — Demands for Asia Bibi’s execution are rising in Pakistan after the execution of an Islamic militant hero, Voice of the Martyrs Canada (VOMC) reports.
(Photo courtesy of Voice of the Martyrs Canada)
Extremist Mumtaz Qadri was executed on February 29, 2016, after assassinating Punjab Govenor Salmaan Taseer in 2011. Taseer was one of Bibi’s biggest supporters, ridiculing Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, under which she is being held, and advocated for her release.
Qadri was seen as a hero among Islamic militants. When he was executed, explosive demands for Bibi’s hanging started. Intelligence reports have found Islamist groups plotting to have her killed in jail for vengeance. At Qadri’s funeral, a group of about 150,000 supporters gathered on the streets of Rawalpindi. Many were chanting for Bibi’s death.
The Express Tribune cites a statement from Islamabad’s Lal Masjid who called on the government to kill “the blasphemer Asia Bibi as soon as possible and not bow to international pressure.”
VOMC reports the government is keeping her safe despite the calls for her quick execution. Security has been tightened, Bibi is in isolation and is cooking her own food so no one can poison her food. The guards keeping watch have been assessed by intelligence agencies to make sure they are not extremists.
“Calls for her speedy execution have increased the risk to her life,” says Bibi’s lawyer, Saiful Malook, who expressed concern over her safety.
As demands rise, Bibi desperately needs prayer. Pray for her safety, for her faith in Christ to stay strong, and for her family’s trust in God to stay strong. Also pray for the protests to stop.
Bibi was found guilty for blasphemy in 2010 after an argument with a Muslim woman who accused her of contamination of water by drinking out of it. Blasphemy is not a subject taken lightly by the Pakistani government who sentences those who are guilty to the death penalty. Bibi has been on death row since her conviction.
Family in Christ Jesus, cry out for Asia’s release!!!
everyone is free to believe what they believe. you can’t have laws forbidding any belief. Asia is not a Muslim. She is a woman and a mother and a human being.if you imagine that killing her now will in some way make anything better, you are mistaken. she needs to return to her family and live her life. Allah is compassionate. why aren’t you?
I pray alongside you sweet sister.
I am praying for you, Dear Asia, that God would keep your faith and courage strong, for His glory, and that He woul release you back to your family safely and that those persecuting you would want to fall to their knees, repent and wilingly serve THE SOVEREIGN GOD ALMIGHTY, CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE AND OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. Please know and cling to this, dear sister, that He is with you and will never forsake you. We love you.
ASIA BIBI AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE COURAGE AND DO NOT BE MOVED CLING ON TO JESUS FOR YOUR NAME IS WRITTEN IN THE HOLY BOOK OF LIFE.WE ARE TOGETHER IN PRAYERS CONTINUALLY CALLING FOR GOD’s GRACE TO ABIDE IN YOU AND THE FAMILY.AMEN