Pakistani Christians to hold day of fasting and prayer for release of Asia Bibi

(January 26, 2011) Pakistani Christians will hold January 30 as a "day of fasting and prayer" for peace in the country and the release of Asia Bibi, the 45-year-old Catholic mother of five sentenced to death for blasphemy. It is in response to the march of the Islamists, who will also hold a "national protest" on the same day, against any changes to the blasphemy law and for the execution of the Christian woman.
The appeal to Christians all over the country to observe January 30 as a day of fasting and prayer was launched by Bishop Anthony Rufin of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The prelate made the appeal through AsiaNews. He clarified
that the initiative aims to promote peace and harmony, and raise awareness for the release of Asia Bibi, who is held in prison, pending appeal and threatened with death by Islamic fundamentalists.
The Masihi Foundation, a human rights organization based in Lahore pleading the cause of Asia Bibi, wants the appeal process to take place in prison in Sheikhpura, where she currently is being held, or Multan for security reasons. The extremist wing confirmed that in the national demonstration scheduled for January 30, they will also start the march to the capital Islamabad. The fundamentalists want to get assurances from the government that the blasphemy law will not be repealed and that Asia Bibi is executed. The protest will include the Pakistan Muslim League, which confirmed the presence of party members.