The Women Action Forum (WAF) has noted with grave concern that Lahore High Court (LHC) has upheld the death sentence awarded to a poor Christian woman, Aasia Bibi in a dispute over drawing water from a well used by Muslims.
A WAF statement said the blasphemy law has been misused in the past to settle personal feuds, and in many cases false accusations were made to get even. WAF sought to remind the state of its first and foremost duty to protect the life and liberty of its citizens, especially those who are powerless to defend themselves. As a woman and a member of a minority community, Aasia Bibi faced discrimination doubly which is a violation of Article 25 of the constitution which asserts equality of all citizens and prohibits discrimination.
The right to life is the most fundamental of all rights and state needs to ensure that there is no threat to Aasia Bibi’s life as several accused in the past have been murdered without ever being found guilty.
WAF called upon the Supreme Court (SC) to ensure Aasia Bibi’s safety as well as a fair trial for her as mandated by Article 10 (A) of the constitution which upholds right to a fair trial and due process for the accused.
