On death row for blasphemy, Asia Bibi makes final appeal to SC
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LAHORE: Asia Bibi, the Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy, filed an appeal in the Supreme Court on Monday, her final legal recourse after being found guilty of insulting the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) four years ago.
A high court in the eastern city of Lahore confirmed the death sentence of Asia Bibi last month, dashing hopes the conviction might be overturned or commuted to a jail term.
She has been on death row since November 2010 after being convicted of committing blasphemy during an argument with a Muslim woman over a bowl of water.
“On behalf of Asia Bibi I have today filed an appeal in the Supreme Court," defence attorney Saiful Malook told AFP.
Malook said that in the petition his client has asked the court to reconsider deficiencies in the case including allegedly manipulated evidence and a delay between the time of the incident and its investigation by police.
Malook added that the blasphemy allegation was concocted by Bibi's enemies to target her and had no basis in fact.
“We expect an early hearing of the appeal and hope that the proceedings will be over in one year,” he added.
The allegations against Bibi date back to June 2009, when she was labouring in a field and a row broke out with some Muslim women she was working with.
She was asked to fetch water, but the Muslim women objected, saying that as a non-Muslim she was unfit to touch the water bowl.
A few days later the women went to a local cleric and put forward the blasphemy allegations.
Bibi's husband has also written to President Mamnoon Hussain to ask for her to be pardoned and allowed to move to France.
Read more: Asia Bibi's husband asks President Mamnoon for pardon
“We are convinced that Asia will only be saved from being hanged if the venerable President (Mamnoon) Hussain grants her a pardon. No one should be killed for drinking a glass of water,” husband Ashiq Masih wrote in an open letter dated November 17 and published by the New York Times.
Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo has said the couple are welcome in the city.
Blasphemy is a hugely sensitive issue in Pakistan, with even unproven allegations often prompting mob violence. Pakistan has never executed anyone for blasphemy and has had a de-facto moratorium on civilian executions since 2008.
But anyone convicted, or even just accused, of insulting Islam, risks a violent and bloody death at the hands of vigilantes.
In early November an enraged mob beat a Christian couple to death and burnt their bodies in the brick kiln where they worked for allegedly desecrating a copy of the Holy Quran.
Also read: Christian couple beaten to death for 'desecrating Quran': police
In September, a policeman shot and wounded a 70-year-old British man with a history of mental illness in the jail where he was on death row for blasphemy
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (102) Closed
Nov 24, 2014 05:27pm
Anything which is being misused must be abolished, why only this....
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Nov 24, 2014 05:28pm
Please leave this poor lady and review this controvertial blasphemy law. Islam teaches us peace and tolerance so let us be more tolerant and peaceful towards minorities in our country.
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Nov 24, 2014 05:31pm
Let us show the mercy that our dear Holy Prophet showed to those who insulted and abused him in the early days of Islam.
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Nov 24, 2014 05:35pm
She and her family, should be allowed to leave the country for France.If she is put on death, Pakistan's image will plummet more after the killings of Christian couple, and burning in brick kiln.
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Nov 24, 2014 05:51pm
Shame for humanity. Watching the track record, she should not have appealed in SC. It is sure that if she remained in jail as convict or declared innocent and freed from jail, her death is certain. Because both inside and outside jail, enough brain washed zombies are present.
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Nov 24, 2014 05:53pm
Time to reflect where we as a society are heading for! Asia Bibi should be pardoned and let Almighty decide her fate, if she is really guilty.
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Nov 24, 2014 05:56pm
interesting no comments.. how disgusting. I can't believe the High Court in Pakistan is so ignorant..
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Nov 24, 2014 05:56pm
Well, what can we say. This is Pakistan.
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Nov 24, 2014 06:19pm
@Spider if you think this is bad, there is another country where 5,000 Muslim got lynched by their police and the mob and the man who led the genocide is now PM of that country. And guess what, the court there said , the murderer can go and need not be jailed.
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Nov 24, 2014 06:23pm
Ya Allah, rahem ker.
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Nov 24, 2014 06:23pm
How can a Supreme Court of any country be so medieval??
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Nov 24, 2014 06:29pm
I hope her life will be spared. Its high time people come forward and debate on the Blasphemy law which is only taking Pakistan backwards.
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Nov 24, 2014 06:30pm
just like to add the voice humans should be given a second chance.
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Nov 24, 2014 06:49pm
Its a shame that the defense attorneys have to ways resort to finding to finding some sort of irregularity in the investigation to get the case thrown out. This law must be declared unconstitutional and thrown out one and for all.
My heart goes out to this woman and all others who have been convicted n blasphemy cases
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Nov 24, 2014 06:56pm
Wake Up Pakistan. This lady does not deserve to die. If she dies it shall be clear as day to the world that Pakistan has died as a civilised nation. Pakistan this is your test and the world is watching you. Very very closely.
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Nov 24, 2014 07:06pm
A country which has let decades of goodwill go down the drain. If you can't achieve the heights of liberal democracies, at least try to emulate your neighbour. We in India have deep flaws, but are miles ahead of you in tolerance, liberalism and culture.
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Nov 24, 2014 07:08pm
C'mon guys forgive her. Follow the sunnah of P.B.U.H and forgive her. We need to promote tolerance in our society. This might be a fisrt step towads making a society which is tolerant and where people from different faiths can breathe and live without fear.
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Nov 24, 2014 07:13pm
Mamnoon Hussain should let her go forthwith,he does not have to get a signal from NS when he can do this on his own as per the constitution. what she did was no big deal she is also human and needs water, if the decision is any other except her release it will be another dent on Pakistan`s already tarnished reputation and it will headlines once again on the international media.
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Nov 24, 2014 07:16pm
@Khurram not just minority but towards human kind
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Nov 24, 2014 07:16pm
Minorities in Pakistan are in danger. They must leave the country and migrate, even to Timbuktoo, as soon as possible
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Nov 24, 2014 07:16pm
For Godsake letter her go!
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Nov 24, 2014 07:26pm
If she did that then we should forgive her and take her written statement that she feel sorry for that and if she did do that then we have to catch all people related to that and put them in jail for 20 year's b/c they manipulating things and lie to state and all people lived in this country and also put this lady life in danger and also give this lady Rs.10 million because of the pain she suffer and give bad reputation of Islam around the world.
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Nov 24, 2014 07:55pm
@Ikbal Buland - You probably belong to the majority. You wana all minorities to leave the country so that you have an absolute rule?
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Nov 24, 2014 08:04pm
...No one should be killed for drinking a glass of water,” husband Ashiq Masih wrote
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Nov 24, 2014 08:09pm
It is such a travesty of justice that one court after other convicted her of blasphemy, and thus convicted her to death. I would not be surprised if the judges convicted her because of the profound fear of the mullahs. Pakistan may have democracy and courts but the real powers are the mullahs.
As long as the shame democracy is living under the shadow of these extremists, Pakistan will never a great nation. It will be a banana republic. I hope the president of Pakistan has the courage to pardon her. Will he stand up to the mullahs? I hope so. Such unjust decisions are giving a bad name to Islam and Pakistan.
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Nov 24, 2014 08:11pm
The Pakistani judiciary system is NOT asked to show any mercy for Aisha Bibi. Quite in contrary: the whole country has to ask her for forgiveness. The power class in Pakistan has to show, they are not stupid and ignorant. Aisha Bibi has been accused of a non-existing crime. She has suffered for years because an illicit and immoral fact has become a law in this country. Unfortunately she is not the only victim of this absurdity.
Abolish this non-Islamic law and free all the victims of this irrationality as soon as possible.
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Nov 24, 2014 08:16pm
@Zak please quote the source of your outlandish and insane comment. Do not bring down standard of this forum.
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Nov 24, 2014 08:30pm
Let this poor woman go.
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Nov 24, 2014 08:53pm
How can any sane person see what is happening and not see the absurdity of it?
How can anyone with a heart wish to see this woman, a mother of small children hang?
What public good is expected to result from her execution?
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Nov 24, 2014 09:09pm
Letting her go sets a more positive feelings toward Islam and Muslims. Blasphemy law should not be abolished but it should be applied with common sense. Allegations of blasphemy must be investigated before charges are filed. Send the False or frivolous allegation makers to jail for at least 1 year.
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Nov 24, 2014 09:13pm
@Zak You are misinformed - it was 5 million.
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Nov 24, 2014 09:19pm
How can we say anything to the militants when our executive and judicial bodies are so ignorant and misuse Islam. Please let this poor women go. My religion and faith are not so weak as to be affected by what someone says; even if she said something.
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Nov 24, 2014 09:39pm
100 years from now, Pakistanis shall feel ashamed of this day.
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Nov 24, 2014 09:44pm
Islam means peace, tolerance and forgiveness. This lady should be forgiven and left in peace.
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Nov 24, 2014 09:46pm
What a foolish nation we have become...
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Nov 24, 2014 09:50pm
What a country!
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Nov 24, 2014 10:03pm
Let her go.
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Nov 24, 2014 10:31pm
Let her go if Supreme Court and President of Pakistan has any guts.
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Nov 24, 2014 10:44pm
@Ashraff "100 years from now, Pakistanis shall feel ashamed of this day.". We are ashamed of this day right now, today.
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Nov 24, 2014 10:46pm
If IK leads a dharna against this ruling, this ghastly blasphemy law will die out. Just need some will power.
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Nov 24, 2014 10:58pm
Please free her; forgiveness is better than revenge.
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Nov 24, 2014 11:11pm
I am really happy to see pakistani citizen comments.... everyone condemning this and definitely things will change for better if educated people like you contribute to politics and law...
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Nov 24, 2014 11:22pm
@Nilesh your comments show how I'll informed you all are about Pakistan, the reality of the world. Reading your newspapers made me understand why. You should read foreign newspapers to get the truth. That is your people only hope.
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Nov 24, 2014 11:32pm
After reading the comments, I am so happy that change is comming for good. There will always be some ZAK's in society, and thats ok as long as they are in minority.
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Nov 25, 2014 12:42am
Will be a sad and shameful day for Pakistan and Muslims if she is hanged. I hope some judge has the courage to overturn the verdict.
To my Indian friends... great to read your comments on issues of human rights in Pakistan, but please avoid the gloating tone of assumed moral superiority. Such a tone does not really help... except to give you a temporary and false sense of moral superiority. Yes we Pakistanis have problems to solve and many of us are trying to solve them.. but its not like India is devoid of all such problems. Would be better if we all encourage each other to combat the irrational jingoism prevalent throughout subcontinent rather than compete with each other on who is less worse.
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Nov 25, 2014 12:43am
Let the poor mother be with her daughters. Live and let the poor live. Release her!
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Nov 25, 2014 12:45am
For God sake please forgive her. Even she comited a crime. Allah is the most merciful.
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Nov 25, 2014 12:54am
If the punishment for insulting the Holy Prophet was death, then the first person who would have received this punishment would have been the woman who used to throw garbage at the Holy Prophet. Unfortunately Islam has been hijacked by people who actually do not follow his example!
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Nov 25, 2014 01:21am
@Michael this is indeed sad. The law itself is easily misused by fanatic groups. The courts have to act as per evidences. People provide false evidence against the accused due to pressure from local zombies Or for money or they disappear to provide evidence in support of accused due to threat of their own lives
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Nov 25, 2014 01:40am
Please Let her go, I wish Pandit Nehru Let Jinnah jee become president of Hindustan and we would not have had the division of the Sub Continent.
Now all we do is blame each other. All the politicians thrive from corruption and innocent suffer under harsh fanatics who womanise and spread the word of religion.
Come on PAKISTAN LET HER GO!!!!!!
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Nov 25, 2014 01:50am
this is one critical moment where leaders of Jam-at a Islami and other Islamic organization, join hands with Pakistani Christians
in bringing peace in this lady's live and family ,especially in season of Christmas which teaches us to " LOVE ONE ANOTHER".
Lets not forget , pakistanis are first a FAMILY and always a family!
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Nov 25, 2014 01:57am
It is the duty. The obligation. The responsibility of someone who would dare say they promote peace. Would dare say they would promote the education of their people and yet stay silent in their mansion in the U K stuffing themselves full of fish and chips, then washing it back with a fine glass of insincerity...
Malala ( you know that old man that calls himself Ziauddin Yousafzai) or his daughter, who claimed the
Nobel : What world do you two live in? Where is your love for your sister Asia Bibi?
Blasphemy in this case is the act of silent approval of an unnecessary tragedy.
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Nov 25, 2014 01:58am
This is the case of work place harassment and bullying should be dealt in same lines.
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Nov 25, 2014 02:03am
It is these kinds of headlines and stories that make it hard to defend Pakistan on the world stage. This should not even be in the news. It's a simple matter and could have been handled quickly and easily. I think the claim of not being able to touch the water bowl is narrow minded thinking by the Muslim women in the first place. We complain of others hating us, while we hate everyone too...that won't get anyone anywhere.
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Nov 25, 2014 02:23am
we cannot tolerate ill saying against our beloved Prophet Hazrat Mohammad (P.B.U.H)
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Nov 25, 2014 02:29am
This will be another curse on this country if this woman dies. God will never forgive you for this. His curse and destruction will not see many innocent then.
Death of any human in the name of religion or Muhammad S.A.W is blasphemy infact. When you will Wake up ???????
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Nov 25, 2014 02:51am
This is horrible! Do you think this is what the prophet wanted? He was the most kind person on this planet and would've forgive anyone in a heartbeat.
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Nov 25, 2014 03:51am
Mamnoon Hussain should pardon Asia Bibi, he is unlikely to do anything else the history is likely to remember.
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Nov 25, 2014 03:53am
Mullahs need to get together and assist government in changing this law and simultaneously educate masses that our beloved Holy Prophet (PBUH) has always shown mercy upon people. There are examples that Holy Prophet (PBUH) even forgave a non muslim lady who used to throw trash upon him. He (PBUH) and even visited her when he heard that the lady was ill. Now this is true Islam preached and practiced by our beloved Prophet (PBUH). We have totally twisted the original Islam and have made it a scary religion and are making fool of our ourselves. May ALLAH help us!!!
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Nov 25, 2014 04:26am
Just release her
Islam does not preach barbarity
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Nov 25, 2014 04:39am
President and SC let her go. she have not done anything wrong.
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Nov 25, 2014 05:20am
Islam is the course for mankind
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Nov 25, 2014 05:21am
There have been many extra judicial killings for "blasphemy". This is the first time, the legal system has come this close to murdering somesone. I hope and pray that the sanity prevails and let this woman go free. We have seen the horrific results of Zia's policies. Please, please wake up now and don't set a bad precedence, which WILL undoubted distroy our country if this sentence is carried out. This is 2014 and Internet Age. We are not living in Middle Ages.
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Nov 25, 2014 05:27am
@Zak I agree with you 100%, but carrying out this sentence will set a very bad precedence and will be extremely harmful to our country. Modi and Natenyaho are both "respected" leaders for the Western countries, but we need to get our house in order. We should not let religious zealots distroy us further.
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Nov 25, 2014 05:52am
@Vijay (Toronto) you had wished!
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Nov 25, 2014 05:57am
@Raj Robert I share your feelings.
If that would have happened, we would have been much stronger and prosperous.
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Nov 25, 2014 06:10am
@Rubbish : Because Balsphemy charges are garbage in this age. It is about life or death and consider that one person executed leaves behind many to suffer the pain for life and generations.There are innumerable bad things people do, but they vary in
degree.
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Nov 25, 2014 06:12am
@Zak: Rubbish!
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Nov 25, 2014 06:12am
Let her go for God's sake...
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Nov 25, 2014 06:15am
@Awam do you mean the mob????
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Nov 25, 2014 06:17am
It was Gen Zia who passed this section of penal code. Now its the duty of pak army help govt to repeal this law. Thanks Gen Zia.
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Nov 25, 2014 06:18am
@shan; Asia Bibi does NOT need to be forgiven. Pakistan needs to teach her acusers and then forgive them"... for they know not what they do"--Isa (Jesus).
If Asia is executed, Christians will plaster the world with stories of pesecution of Christians from Roman times to now -- Pakistani Islamic times!
Will that imrpove Pakistan's status in the world, feed some poor children --- what about her husband and her children and her parents and other family?
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Nov 25, 2014 06:31am
@Gordon D Walker Sir, your comments are irrational and border on the unhinged. Why impugn the characters of Mala and her father in this matter when they have assiduously campaigned for what they believe in and, no doubt, would be horrified by this particular case under a thoroughly disgraceful law from the dark ages. Maybe it was you who imbibed too much before hitting your keyboard.
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Nov 25, 2014 06:37am
@Khurram no it does not
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Nov 25, 2014 06:39am
These laws are Saudi sponsored. Who have many levers to pull against anyone daring to challenge these. That money and religious influence infects this country length to breadth.
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Nov 25, 2014 07:07am
Why do we need to wait for ISIS to invade Pakistan, when the judiciary , politicians and general public is already doing the killings of minorities under the of strict mindless laws (like blasphemy) in Islam's name?
There was supposed to be a moratorium on death penalties implementation during Zardari's and Nawaz's rule till now. Apparently terrorists and convicted murderers still enjoy the moratorium, but minorities who have been persecuted under blasphemy law are fair game inside and outside the jail.
Pathetic.
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Nov 25, 2014 07:11am
@AHA You have summed it up well.
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Nov 25, 2014 07:20am
@Imran IK shall never stand agaist this judgement as he shall be going against taliban which is very dear to him.
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Nov 25, 2014 07:36am
"She (Aisa Bibi) was asked to fetch water, but the Muslim women objected, saying that as a non-Muslim she was unfit to touch the water bowl." I had no idea that 'untouchability' is as rampant in Pakistan as it is in some parts of India. Aberrations are possible in the way of thinking and action of an individual. How a state can corroborate that, and allow killing of a poor lady for a glass of water ! How a state can allow persecution in the name of Blasphemy Act !!! Oh God, save this poor woman.
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Nov 25, 2014 07:57am
@Zak , Two wrongs do not make one right.
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Nov 25, 2014 07:58am
@Zak
Your comments are emotional and not based on facts. We condemn killing of human being in the name of religion or blasphemy. The incident, you have in mind to refer to, was a sequel to another incident which you have not mentioned.
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Nov 25, 2014 08:02am
@AHA Entire parliament should show mercy . pardon her and all those involved too. get it over. 25 December is coming . Christmas gift - Quid's birthday combined. Please do it. get over it. As other comments indicate - Islam and the Prophet exercise mercy - grant her and to all those involved - blank pardon..
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Nov 25, 2014 08:20am
Declare Pakistan a Hindu State, Yes fellow Pakistanis you heard me right. I am propagating that Pakistan government shall declare Pakistan a Hindu State, a State inhabited by people of Sindh (Hind), Indus Valley Civilsation. Hindu is not a religion but a generic term used for inhabitants across the Indus River (Sindhu River). Pakistan shall reclaim its lost glory of Indus Valley Civilization, a nation of tolerance and spiritually much more enhanced than any worldly faiths and practices.
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Nov 25, 2014 08:23am
I support pardon for her. We, as a Muslim nation needs to show compassion.
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Nov 25, 2014 08:26am
Please let her go. She has to raise 5 kids. When Prophet was alive thats what he did. If Prophet were alive today, thats what he would do. Please let her go ...
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Nov 25, 2014 08:30am
@shan What She has done to forgive her. Some one burnt a temple there no one cares . There colonies has been attacked no action. A 3 year old was burnt alive with her elder sister and grandma. what s the action on that. Here a woman is being hanged just because she tried to drink water from the same glass as other does.
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Nov 25, 2014 08:48am
@KHAN
You cannot hear anything against our Prophet ( PBUH ) -- neither can I -----
Then follow his teachings also --
You think he ( PBUH ) would let this woman die ?
Remember what people in Taif did to him ( PBUH ) ? Yet he prayed for those people .
Even the prisoners of war --- he would let them free after they teach few kids, and this is only one woman who is asking for mercy.
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Nov 25, 2014 08:55am
Let her free and go to France ??
Real Muslim will -- let her free and let her live in Pakistan and give her the freedom and show her the true meanings of Islam --
But with emotions running high , people forget that they are doing a great dis service to Islam. --- acting like barbarians
God knows better.
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Nov 25, 2014 08:55am
@Zak and your point is?
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Nov 25, 2014 08:59am
@Zak still no Indian Muslim knocked at your doors, they went to the supreme court of India. what about the Hindus of Pakistan who queue at our doors everyday seeking asylum?
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Nov 25, 2014 09:50am
@Zak - Riots were started by burning alive Hindu pilgrims. You will miss it because you consider Hindus to be sub-human. Those who were involved in riots were apprehended and punished, and a very hostile and aggressive prosecution could not prove that he was involved in riots or he held back protection of the riot victims.
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Nov 25, 2014 09:52am
Death sentence of this person is an insult to Islam, and Islamic societies.
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Nov 25, 2014 09:55am
@Ashraff - Will it take that long to feel the shame for such a heinous act.
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Nov 25, 2014 10:05am
@AK - it is not just for gloating over our moral superiority, but to goad the humans to drive out the monster from within.
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Nov 26, 2014 08:12am
@Ikbal Buland Do you know where Timbuktoo is?? It is the capital of Mali, which was taken over by Islamic fascists before the French intervened.
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Nov 26, 2014 08:55am
@Pankaj Because most of the MP's , so called political leaders , are medieval themselves. As a Pakistani and a Muslim, I feel ashamed of what has happened to my Pakistan!!!!
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Nov 26, 2014 08:58am
@Mohammad khan Even Imran Khan, the playboy of younger days, cannot stand up to the Mullahs. In spite of his big talks he is scared of the Mullahs and therefore has made an alliance with them. One reason, he will never be able to create a "Naya Pakistan"!!!!
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Nov 26, 2014 09:41am
who is going to fix it and how?
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Nov 26, 2014 09:46am
Why is imran khan silent on blasphemy? Answer: He's scared like every other politician, imran khan isn't the brave guy we all think he is.
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Nov 26, 2014 01:29pm
@Sunil Lets not forget Hindu riots against Christians was much worser as Hundreds of Christians were killied. In Pakistan its no way near India. Lets not forget even Sikh and Muslim riots thousands were killed raped mainly Muslims. Allah will punnish all the wrong doers on the udgement day. Death will come and Allah is the most forgiving if we repent and change as a person and confess before death.
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Nov 27, 2014 12:19am
why dont u guys protest openly?? i mean like organising rally, etc.. this should be stopped..
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Nov 27, 2014 06:32am
She MUST be saved....for,Pakistan to SURVIVE.
I don't think Pakistan can ever live down her hanging in the international arena?
Think it over? Haven't you got enough problems already,or are you all have some death wish ...to finish Pakistan off forever?
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