Campaigners at the British Pakistani Christian Association say they have been confident the three justices will not undo their previous ruling which cleared Asia Bibi in October last year.
But hard-line Islamists, who accuse the mother-of-five of insulting the Islamic prophet Mohammad, have been calling for her to be publicly executed. Ms Bibi has always denied any wrongdoing.
In a deal they struck with the Government, officials – keen to bring an end to the violent demonstrations – agreed to allow a review of Ms Bibi’s acquittal. The court could give the green light to an appeal.
Yesterday, Premier covered reports that a member of Asia Bibi’s legal team, Saif ul-Malook, was returning to Pakistan to support Ms Bibi. After her acquittal, he fled the country – citing threats against him.
Tmrw Pakistan will review its own acquittal of #AsiaBibi. Pls pray that the Supreme Court would uphold its long overdue ruling. Let’s also remember others imprisoned for blasphemy in Pakistan like Sawan Masih, Zafar Bhatti, Qasir, Amoon, Nabeel Masih, Patras Masih & Anwar Kenneth
— ReleaseInternational (@ReleaseInt) January 28, 2019
The case of Asia Bibi has brought Pakistan’s blasphemy laws under intense scrutiny. Some human rights activists claim the legislation has been misused to persecute believers and settle personal vendettas.
