Pakistan Court Temporarily Bars Pardon For Christian Woman Sentenced To Death For Blasphemy

In Pakistan today, the Lahore High Court issued a temporary stay barring Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari from issuing a pardon to Aasia Bibi (also known as Aasia Noreen), a Christian woman who has been sentenced to death on blasphemy charges. (See prior posting.) Continental News and Sify News report that the order comes after Bibi filed a clemency appeal with the President through the Governor of Punjab, Salman Tasseer. Tasseer, who believes the charges against Bibi were fabricated, assured her of a sympathetic response. However hard line Islamic parties began protests against the governor and any pardon. The court ruled that because the case was still in the courts, any pardon would be premature, and ordered the President and the Punjab governor to reply by December 6 when another hearing is scheduled.