ISLAMABAD:Pakistani Christian Asia Bibi will celebrate Christmas under guard, despitebeing cleared of the blasphemy charges that kept her in jail since 2010. Bibi -a former laborer who was on death row for eight years - remains a prime targetin conservative Muslim-majority Pakistan, with extremists calling for her bloodand the government refusing to reveal her location out of fear for her safety.
"It's toodangerous... People want to kill her," said Yousaf Hadayat, a residentfrom one of Islamabad's impoverished Christian ghettos, littered this week by asmattering of Santa hats and Christmas trees. Security this Christmas, likemany before it, will be tight with the government set to deploy armed forces tothe Christian colonies. Residents say they feel more uneasy than ever duringthe religious holiday while Bibi's fate continues to loom large. "We'reafraid," said Pastor Munawar Inayat at Holy of Holies Church in Islamabad."We can't speak against anyone."
The Supreme Courtoverturned Bibi's death sentence for blasphemy in October, and she has legallybeen a free woman ever since. But the ruling ignited days of violentdemonstrations that paralysed large swathes of the country, with enragedIslamists calling for her beheading, mutiny within the powerful military andthe assassination of the country's top judges. The government has sincelaunched a crackdown on the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) party - theIslamist group driving the violent protests - charging its leaders withsedition and terrorism.
But authoritiesalso struck a deal with the protesters to end the violence, forming anagreement which included allowing a final review of the Supreme Court'sjudgment. Bibi, who is seeking asylum abroad, is believed to be in protectivecustody inside Pakistan as the review continues. But there is no clear timelinefor when it will be completed. A government spokesman refused to comment on itsstatus, saying only that the matter is with the court. Analyst Fasi Zaka warnedthat the longer Bibi remains in limbo, the greater the danger. "For someelements if they don't have access to Asia Bibi they'll find stand-ins fortheir vengeance," he told AFP.
'Lightning rod'
Blasphemycontinues to be a massively inflammatory issue in Muslim-majority Pakistan,where even unproven accusations of insulting Islam can spark lynchings. Manycases see Muslims accusing Muslims. But rights activists have warned thatminorities - particularly Christians - are often caught in the crossfire, withblasphemy charges used to settle personal scores. "This is a lighting rodissue that affects a whole community," said Zaka.
The allegationsagainst Bibi date back to 2009, when a fight erupted between her and fellowMuslim laborers, who later accused Bibi of blasphemy. She was convicted underPakistan's controversial anti-blasphemy laws and in 2010 sentenced to death.Since her acquittal speculation has been rife that an asylum deal with aEuropean or North American country may be in the works.
Many residents ofthe 100 Quarters Colony in Islamabad cautioned against Bibi's release, sayingher safety would only be guaranteed once she was granted asylum in a foreigncountry. "No, no. She cannot stay," said resident Hadayat. Poliocampaign worker Shahnaz Arif argued against Bibi's ongoing custody. "Weshould get the same freedom that others enjoy," she said. Even so sheadmitted she was afraid, citing Pakistan's long history of politicalassassinations, including some over blasphemy. "There is not enoughsecurity for our leaders - we are just poor citizens," she explained.
Blacklisted
Christians - whomake up around two percent of the population - occupy one of the lowest rungsin class-obsessed Pakistani society, largely living in slums and working menialjobs as street sweepers, cleaners and cooks. The tension comes as Washingtonadded Pakistan this month to a blacklist of countries that it says wantonlyviolate religious freedom, citing the country's high number of blasphemyconvictions and failure to hold perpetrators targeting religious minorities toaccount.
Islamabad laterdismissed the US move as politically motivated. Back in the 100 QuartersColony, residents said their thoughts were with a mother who has already spentmany Christmases in solitary confinement. "Christmas is celebrated withnear and dear ones, and not in custody," said Christmas decoration sellerAmjab Burgkat. "There are security fears, but she should celebrate Christmaswith her family."_ AFP