Update: Asia Bibi appears in court for blasphemy

Asia Bibi is a 37-year-old Pakistani woman from the village of Ittanwali. Asia is the wife of 50-year-old Ashiq Masih, and their family is one of only three Christian families in a village of more than 1,500 families. She was arrested by police on Friday, June 19, and charged with blasphemy (click here for more information as to her arrest).

On October 14, Asia appeared in court in Sheikhupura, Pakistan and spent some time with her family before the court appearance.

According to a report from our US sister mission, Asia’s husband, Ashiq Masih, her daughters and VOMC contacts met her for 15 minutes before the court appearance. “Asia is in strong faith. Her eyes were hopeful. Praise God,” VOM contacts said. Asia told VOMC contacts she prays everyday at 3 a.m. “I thank God that the jail administration has good behaviour with me,” she said. “I don’t have trouble from them, but I miss my daughters and family. Please arrange my soon release from this jail,” Asia told VOMC contacts.

Asia’s daughters were visibly upset when they met her. “The little daughter was continuously asking her mother ‘Mama when are you coming back home?’” VOMC contacts said. Isha, the eldest daughter, cried and hugged her mother and would not let her go. Isha pointed to the veil on her mother’s face and said, “I want to see your face, remove this cover.” It was a sad scene.

The court rescheduled another hearing for October 27.

You can stand with Asia and her family.

1. Pray for Asia Bibi and her family. Post a prayer request on her behalf on our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall today!

2. Write. You can write a brief note or card to Asia at the following address:

Asia Bibi
District Jail
Sheikhupura
Punjab, Pakistan

While you can write in English, you can also use this online tool to write a letter in her own language. Click here.

3. Advocate. We would also urge you to write to Pakistani government officials. Ask for her release and that the rights of Christians like Asia are protected. You can find links with up-to-date contact information to the Pakistani embassies in Canada and the United States by clicking here.