Asia Bibi, 45, a Christian and mother of five, was sentenced to death on charges of committing blasphemy. Ms Bibi’s case dates back to June 2009, when she was asked to fetch water while out working in the fields and a group of Muslim women labourers objected, saying that as a non-Muslim she should not touch the water bowl. This resulted in
exchange of hot words between her and Muslim women against each others’ religious beliefs. Five days after the incident, a local Muslim leader, Qari Salim, jumped into the matter and pressured some people in the area to claim that she committed blasphemy.

On November 1, 2010, 16 months after her arrest, the court pronounced a death sentence on charges of committing blasphemy.

Amnesty International joins the Benenson Society, the Asian Human Rights commission and the Noor Foundation in calling for the pardon of Asia Bibi and the reform of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.

It is very much feared that Asia Bibi or her family members may be killed during her detention or when she is released.

Please appeal to:

Mr. Asif Ali Zardari
President of Pakistan
President’s Secretariat
Islamabad, PAKISTAN
Fax: +92 51 9207458
Email: [email protected]

Dear Mr President

I am writing to voice my deep concern regarding death sentence of Asia Bibi, a Christian mother of five, on the charges of blasphemy. I am also concerned about the government’s inability to prosecute those elements, who are openly announcing their intention to kill her or award cash money for that purpose. In recent years 33 people charged with blasphemy have been killed in prison by guards or in the vicinity of the court.

I urge you to immediately repeal the blasphemy law, or at least delete section 295 from the Pakistan Penal Code, release Asia Bibi and provide protection to her and her family.

I look forward to your prompt action to provide protection of religious minority
groups.

Yours sincerely,