Tollet: When I asked Ashiq to describe his wife, he did in fact say that she had a very strong personality and that when something gets into her mind, she won’t let go and she is very stubborn. They are very much in love. It was not a forced or an arranged marriage. They met, they fell in love, they married and they treat each other with great sweetness and tenderness. It is not easy to find a couple in Pakistan as in love and committed to each other as they are.
CNA: They have five children, but the nine year-old who is the youngest stands out because of how mature she looks.
Tollet: She is adorable. This has had a great impact on her, it is harder for her. She cries several times a day because she misses her mom…But at the same time she shows great strength and maturity in the face of everything she has been forced to shoulder overnight. She is capable of analyzing the situation of her mother, of Pakistan, of the blasphemy laws, etc. It’s amazing because she is so young.
CNA: You will donate all the proceeds from the book to the family, since Ashiq lost his job. How are you personally experiencing this tragedy?
Tollet: For me it’s easy. Asia Bibi and her family have penetrated my heart and they are part of my family…but I don’t live in Pakistan. I am not threatened every day. I’m not afraid I’m going to die any second. So the least I can do is talk about her and do whatever possible to get her released. They are a needy and very poor family with no economic assistance, except for what they receive from the international community…This is a commitment I have made to both of them and I won’t abandon them until I am successful.
CNA: What are the next steps?
Tollet: This week in Geneva I will speak before the UN Human Rights Council, where I will ask the representatives of Pakistan to explain how they can maintain an anti-democratic law, when they have signed on to a pact at the United Nations requiring the country to respect human rights, freedom of though and freedom of religion. We’ll see what kind of response they give. In the Fall I will go to New York when Asia Bibi’s book comes out in English. The entire campaign will take place in Washington, as that is where the power to make decisions lies. And a meeting with Hillary Clinton is scheduled, although it has not yet been confirmed.
CNA: You have repeatedly said the blasphemy law is not in itself discriminatory, that many Muslims are also penalized by it…
Tollet: Yes, especially Muslims. First, because the Islamists want to radicalize Pakistani society and they cannot stand what they consider to be a “bad Muslim.” Second, because they are the majority and they are more affected than Christians, who number about 3 million. Fundamentalists don’t care if Christians are condemned, they care more about what happens with the majority of the population, the 160 million Muslims. They are determined to make them embrace radical Islam.
CNA: Did Asia Bibi know you were coming to Spain?
Tollet: Yes, and she was very excited about the idea. She doesn’t know much about Spain, just that is a country next to France. She is waiting to hear about my visit and about whether Spaniards have embraced her book. That helps her to firmly keep her hope alive.
CNA: Asia is very committed to her religious beliefs, is she not?
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Tollet: She prays all day long. She has never wavered in her faith fortunately, because that has enabled her to keep going.