About Pakistan’s Blasphemy Law
Bibi also has a message for Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Imran Khan. “Ten years in prison is a very harsh sentence,” she told Perelman. “I believe the law must be changed, adjustments must be made. Nobody ever heard my side of the story. I hope this will never happen to anyone again.” She also reiterated her belief that Christians and Muslims could live together in harmony:
My message is a message of love and peace. It is the message of both Jesus Christ and the holy prophet Muhammed. Both wanted us to live together in peace as brothers and sisters. I wish for peace in my country.
Profuse Thanks
The deeply grateful woman took two opportunities during the interview with Perelman to profusely thank Canada and France for helping her. “I am grateful to the city of Paris for working with me. Thank you for your love, your kindness, and your warm greetings,” she said. The mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, made Bibi an honorary citizen. Bibi, while grateful to Canada for receiving her now that she is in exile from Pakistan, has indicated she would like to move to France. Bibi’s political asylum status in Canada expires at the end of this year.
Part of Bibi’s affinity to France is due to the years-long support of her co-author, Tollet, who “was the first in France to speak in my name.” Bibi also said, “France holds a very special place in my heart. I feel respected here.”
The Catholic News Agency reports that at a press conference in Paris, Bibi told of an uncanny experience she had as a child. Bibi was raised Catholic and shared that the priest who baptized her told her parents “this little girl will be tested by God.” She said her parents told her about the priest’s words and that they made her feel as if something might happen to her one day.
Bibi said she prayed while she was imprisoned and expressed her gratitude for the people who prayed for her, including Pope Benedict XVI:
When my husband came to tell me that His Holiness the Pope prayed for me, I felt really blessed from the bottom of my heart because I knew that was a blessing from God. I was very happy, I don’t have the words to thank him.
Bibi also mentioned she would like to meet Pope Francis.
