Fear for Pakistan's death row Christian woman

There is growing concern over the fate of a Christian woman on death row in Pakistan for blasphemy.

Pope Benedict is among those calling for the release of Aasiya Bibi, a mother of five, who was convicted last month of breaching the country's blasphemy laws.

The legislation has been controversial since it was introduced in the 1980s, with campaigners saying it is often used to persecute religious minorities.

The BBC's Orla Guerin reports from Punjab Province.

Pakistan Minister Condemns Reward for Killing Christian Woman

Pakistan's Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti condemned Saturday the recent announcement of a reward for killing the jailed Christian woman on death row for blasphemy.

Bhatti said the call is unjust and irresponsible and should be discouraged in the strongest possible manner because no one has the right to issue a decree to kill someone else, according to Pakistan’s Daily Times newspaper. He also added that Pakistan is a civilized country and violation of the rule of law is not allowed.

“Every legal and constitutional means will be adopted in the Asia Bibi case,” assured Bhatti, who was in charge of investigating the case and reported that Bibi was innocent to President Asif Ali Zadari.

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