PAKISTAN prime minister Imran Khan has promised that Christian mother Asia Bibi will leave the country in a few week's time.
Bibi was freed from death row on blasphemy charges five months back, and despite Canada giving her asylum she is yet to leave Pakistan.
"There is a little bit of a complication. And I can't speak on the media about [it]," Khan told the BBC, adding "I can assure you she is safe and she will be leaving in weeks."
A source close to Bibi had said she wasn't safe until she left Pakistan. "There are powerful people who want her dead," the source was quoted as saying.
The 53-year-old was supposed to leave Pakistan for Canada in January. Her two daughters have already moved to Canada after prime minister Justin Trudeau offered asylum.
Bibi’s youngest daughter, 18-year-old Eisham Aashiq, earlier appealed to prime minister Khan to let Bibi leave Pakistan.
“I would like to tell him to think about us, and release my mother. We love Pakistan very much, and my mummy will never speak against Pakistan as she loves it too,” she was quoted as saying.
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.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.