Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Pakistani Consulate in Glasgow in February, to call for freedom for Asia Bibi, Pakistan’s most famous blasphemy law victim, a mother of five imprisoned in Multan for over seven years.
Her ‘crime’ was to drink water from a well and to unfavourably compare the prophet Muhammed with Jesus.
A small group of local residents even came to protest against the protest as they had been disturbed so many times by other demonstrations that had caused a disturbance to their everyday lives. However, when they heard the shocking story of the plight of Asia Bibi and other Christian victims, they left with their blessing.
Redouble efforts
Pastor Fredrick Dacosta, who presides over a 70-strong congregation of Pakistani Christians in Glasgow, sent a live feed of the demonstration through Facebook. The event was also filmed by Channel 44 News in Pakistan who now have a UK office.
He said: ‘Time and time again we protest for justice and nothing changes. Our people bleed in Pakistan and the West ignores their plight. We must redouble our efforts and not lose hope, as our God is a great God.’
Wilson Chowdhry of the BPCA said: ‘Asia has shown how faith in God can give an inner peace and that this temporary world contains nothing that can shackle truth. This woman’s life is a testament to us all. Whether she lives or dies in that brutal, cruel prison in Multan, her grip on personal liberty and the right for freedom of belief and conscience has shown how the human spirit can be resolute against the evils of this world.’
Britain and the US are being encouraged to stop supporting the country which has a terrible human rights record. The end of March is due to see a new trial date set.
