Religious Liberty Commission statement on Asia Bibi

Religious Liberty Commission calls on Prime Minister Imran Khan to allow Asia Bibi to leave Pakistan.

The Religious Liberty Commission (RLC) of the Evangelical Alliance is formed of Release International, CSW and Open Doors UK who are all working to support and speak up for those suffering for their faith.

We as the RLC jointly call for Asia Bibi to be allowed to leave Pakistan and rebuild her life in safety. Following her unjust imprisonment and long-awaited release, it is clear that Asia’s life is in danger in Pakistan. We call on Prime Minister Imran Khan to uphold the decision of the Supreme Court and act decisively in order for Asia to be able to travel and be united with her family outside of Pakistan.

As others involved with the case continue to flee the country, we affirm that Asia’s safety is the now the responsibility of Prime Minister Khan.

Release International CEO Paul Robinson has stated “It would be a tragedy if Asia, who has spent so many years on death row, will now be forced to live apart from those she loves.”

CEO of Open Doors UK & Ireland Henrietta Blyth said: “Asia has suffered long enough. She has been declared innocent. Her release and her safety are well-overdue – the Pakistani government should act swiftly to ensure her safety”

Chief Executive of CSW Mervyn Thomas said: “The false allegation of blasphemy against Asia Bibi highlights the blatant abuse of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws that have been used to harass and intimidate religious minorities and Muslims alike. We urge the government of Pakistan to guarantee the safety of Asia Bibi and her family.”

Dr David Landrum, Director of Advocacy at the Evangelical Alliance said: “Asia Bibi’s life is clearly in great danger. To ensure her safety, Prime Minister Imran Khan must allow her to leave the country.”

Media enquiries

Danny Webster
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 020 7520 3862
Mobile: 07766 444 650

Notes to editors

  1. The Religious Liberty Commission is made up of CSW, Open Doors and Release International, all members of the Evangelical Alliance who work to support the persecuted church.
  2. Each organisation have dedicated resources to help churches engage with the International Day of Prayer (18 November 2018), and to guide Christians in their prayers.
  3. Spokespeople are available for comment.
  4. Information about the RLC is available online at

    https://www.eauk.org/about-us/...

The Religious Liberty Commission

The persecution of Christians worldwide has become such a significant issue that CSW, Open Doors and Release International have joined together to form the Religious Liberty Commission.

The Religious Liberty Commission (RLC) is a commission of the Evangelical Alliance that brings organisations working on behalf of persecuted Christians together to speak with one voice. Each member organisation has its own distinctive mandate, but all feel the issue of Christian persecution is so important they want to speak together regularly to raise awareness of key developments globally, in a significant and collaborative way. Visit https://www.eauk.org/about-us/how-we-work/coalitions/religious-liberty-commission

About the Evangelical Alliance

We are the Evangelical Alliance. We join together hundreds of organisations, thousands of churches and tens of thousands of individuals for the sake of the gospel. Representing our members since 1846, the Evangelical Alliance is the oldest and largest evangelical unity movement in the UK.

We love Jesus and we want everyone in the UK to be given an opportunity to know Him.

We love His church, and we will do all we can to unite evangelicals, building confidence in the gospel and speaking as a trusted voice into society to see it changed for Him.

Working across the UK, with offices in London, Cardiff, Glasgow and Belfast, our members come together from across denominations, locations, age groups and ethnicities, all sharing a passion to know Jesus and make Him known.