ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s president may pardon a Christian woman facing a death sentence for blasphemy against Islam, officials said Saturday, as the mother of five tearfully denied the charge.

The case of Asia Bibi, 45, has drawn appeals from Pope Benedict XVI and human rights groups to free her. She was sentenced to death earlier this month and has been in prison for 1 1/2 years.

Bibi appeared in a televised interview at her prison Saturday, protesting her innocence.

“It was just the outcome of a rivalry. I would never even think of blasphemy,” she said weeping. “I have small children. For God’s sake, please set me free.”

The verdict has drawn attention to Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which critics say are used to persecute Christian and other minorities and fan extremism. They are also often exploited to settle personal grudges.

Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan’s minister for minority affairs, said Saturday that President Asif Ali Zardari has asked for a report on the case.

“The president has taken notice of this case ... he is concerned on this issue,” Bhatti said.

Punjab Gov. Salman Taseer told reporters in a televised conference he believes Zardari will soon pardon her.

“I am going to take this petition to president and the president will forgive her,” he said.