Pakistan’s Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal by a Pakistani Christian woman who has lived on death row for five years since being found guilty of blasphemy.
A three-member bench of the court sitting in Lahore said it was essential to examine the case of mother-of-five Asia Bibi, 50, who her family says is suffering from intestinal bleeding.
The court also suspended the decision of the Lahore High Court, which in 2014 upheld the death sentence she was handed in 2010.
Mrs Bibi was accused of insulting Muhammad after a row with her Muslim co-workers when they were labouring in a field in Punjab province. They objected to her touching the water bowl they were using because she was not a Muslim. A dispute ensued and the women made the accusation to a local Muslim cleric.
Mrs Bibi’s lawyer, Saiful Malook, said the blasphemy allegation was concocted by Bibi’s enemies and had no basis in fact.
At an earlier hearing, Mr Malook said he would ask the court to look at flaws in the case including allegedly manipulated evidence.
In April Pope Francis gave a special blessing to Asia Bibi’s husband and youngest daughter, who were introduced to him after a General Audience in St Peter’s Square.
Although Pakistan has never executed anyone for blasphemy, anyone found guilty, or just accused, of it is at risk from vigilantes.
Above: Asia Bibi's daughters pictured in 2010 holding a photo of their mother. CNS/Reuters
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