Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) - Asia Bibi’s case is one of those which "is uppermost in our thoughts" and the salvation of the woman "is a goal we will work hard on": says to Fides the Catholic Akram Gill, Minister of federal state for inter-religious harmony, with the responsibility for religious minorities. After press reports concerning Asia Bibi’s mistreatment in prison, Gill wrote a letter and contacted the Superintendent of the Prison in Sheikupura (in Punjab), and the interior Minister in Punjab, to ask for specific guarantees on Asia Bibi’s physical and psychological protection, a Christian woman unjustly condemned to death for blasphemy.
"I have had answers and assurances that the incident has been overcome with the suspension of the prison-woman agent involved – he says to Fides - and that the prison authorities will do everything they can for Asia Bibi to ensure the best possible conditions and safety, by constantly monitoring her physical and psychological health". "As long as we exist, nothing bad will happen to her", said the minister.
Akram Gill says he is confident, but remains concerned because Mumtaz Qadri’s case - the governor of Punjab’s murderer, self-confessed and sentenced to death – has again overheated groups and religious fundamentalist parties that have publicly threatened Asia Bibi to death and those who work for her release". Despite these threats, that invest also members of the higher institutions, Akram Gill continues his work in defense of minorities and in November will be in Europe to speak on the subject of "rights of religious minorities in Pakistan". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 18/10/2011)
