Good news!

Remember Asia Bibi? The Pakistani Catholic mother of five who was sentenced to death for blasphemy in 2010? She has been proved innocent and set free.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court this morning (Wednesday, 31st October) overturned the death sentence hanging over the Catholic labourer from Punjab who in 2010 became the first woman in the country condemned to death for blasphemy.

Speaking within a few minutes of the announcement today, Asia Bibi’s daughter, Eisham Ashiq, 18 told ACN: “I am so happy. I want to thank God”.

Speaking through an interpreter, she said, “This is the most wonderful moment. I can’t wait to hug my mother and then celebrate with my family. I am grateful to God for listening to our prayers.”

Asia Bibi’s husband, Ashiq Masih, said: “We are very happy. This is wonderful news. We thank God very much that he’s heard our prayers – and the prayers of so many people who have longed for Asia Bibi’s release over all these years of suffering and anguish.”

Close family friend Joseph Nadeem said that on hearing the news the family immediately “danced for joy”. He added: “There were many tears – tears of indescribable joy.”

National Director of ACN Malta, Stephen Axisa says “Finally justice has prevailed. However, we must emphasize that it took years of prayers, campaign, appeal and support. Prayers indeed move mountains!

He added, “ACN would like to thank all ACN Promoters and benefactors for their active interest in Asia Bibi’s case”.

ACN Malta