A PAKISTANI Christian mother freed from a blasphemy death sentence in the country, is said to be "very unwell."
Asia Bibi's health is failing and she is being denied access to medical care, MailOnline reported.
Although Bibi is free to leave the country, her freedom is now being blocked by the army, the report added. Bibi and her husband remain in protective custody sheltering from lynch mobs. In Pakistan, even unproven accusations of insulting Islam have spark lynchings.
"Asia has extremely low blood pressure and she is not getting the medical treatment she needs.
"Everyone is very worried. She won her appeal and was supposed to be out of Pakistan by now. Even though the government says she can leave, the army has all the power in this case.
"They are in control of her. They are fearful about getting a negative press if she speaks out about her experiences – but they will get an even worse press if she dies in protective custody."
The 53-year-old was supposed to leave Pakistan for Canada in January. But her escape is "no longer imminent," and this has raised concerns among her family and friends.
Her two daughters have already moved to Canada after prime minister Justin Trudeau offered asylum.
Bibi was convicted in 2010 of offending Prophet Mohammed following an argument with her neighbours over a cup of water.
In October 2018, Bibi was freed on appeal and her acquittal led hardline Islamist leaders to call for the death of the judges who made the decision.
Following widespread protests, the government barred Bibi from leaving the country, with hardline Islamists threatening to track her down and kill her.
Some have suggested they would pursue her abroad if she leaves the country.
Diwali celebration tomorrow kicks off business with ticketed workshops and networking.
Model taps into growing demand for inclusive, heritage-focused experiences.
Platform targets not just south Asians seeking cultural connection, but everyone.
Creating cultural belonging
Priyanka Patel, curator of The Empowered Desi, a new events platform for south Asians seeking cultural connection, is here with a Diwali celebration on Saturday (18) at Fargo Village in Coventry. The venture was born from personal experience – Patel felt "isolated and neglected" growing up without many south Asian friends. Spotting a gap in the market, she's now building a business around creating inclusive spaces for south Asians regardless of religious or regional background.
Diwali-themed , Paint N Sip event in Coventry marks the venture's next partnership with local business Sugar and Spice, Patel is offering a ticketed experience featuring diya decorating workshops, Indian grazing boards with chai, and jewellery stations where guests can take home jhumkas and bangles. The Diwali format combines cultural celebration with networking opportunities, with south Asian attire preferred.
Empowerment through experience
I couldn't talk about the festivals we celebrate, the type of Indian food we have, and also the clothes we wear for special occasions," Patel told BBC."I felt that I couldn't express my individuality, which in turn affected my confidence and self-worth." She realised that lack of cultural belonging represented an untapped market.
The business model centres on experiential events that blend tradition with social connection. The first workshop held on September (20) focused on bento cake decorating, a trendy format paired with south Asian networking. Patel aims for attendees to "feel empowered and inspired."
With South Asian Heritage Month highlighting the importance of cultural spaces, The Empowered Desi positions itself at the intersection of community building and commercial viability. Patel's betting that others share her experience and are willing to pay for a sense of belonging.
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