Resolution introduced in US Congress to grant asylum to Aasia Bibi

Recognizing the importance of granting asylum to those with legitimate claims of persecution for their religion, race, nationality, membership in a social group, or political belief; the resolution supports granting asylum in the United States to Aasia Bibi and her immediate family.

In this file photo, Aasia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian woman, listens to officials at a prison in Sheikhupura near Lahore, Pakistan. AP/PTI Photo

A US lawmaker has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives to grant asylum to Pakistani woman Aasia Bibi, claiming she was “persecuted” in that country for being a Christian.

“Aasia Bibi has been persecuted, jailed and threatened for doing nothing more than being a Christian in Pakistan,” Congressman Ken Calvert said.

The recent decision by Pakistan’s top court to overturn Bibi’s death sentence and free her from jail is obviously welcome news, the lawmaker said.

“However, Asia continues to be in danger and is the subject of incendiary rhetoric by radical Islamist leaders. That’s why it’s essential for Congress and other defenders of religious freedom to stand up and protect her,” Calvert said.

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General views of low visibility in Lahore on a winter morning

Pakistan's second largest city Lahore, which lies in Punjab near the border with India, suffers from low visibility in winter due to smog and foggy conditions.

Recognizing the importance of granting asylum to those with legitimate claims of persecution for their religion, race, nationality, membership in a social group, or political belief; the resolution supports granting asylum in the United States to Aasia Bibi and her immediate family.

Bibi, a mother of four, may leave Pakistan shortly as there are threats to her life. Her two daughter had already shifted to Canada.