Asia Bibi is still in Pakistan, according to national media there. News reports say she has been released from jail and flown to the capital Islamabad, where she is being kept in ‘protective custody’.
According to reports, Foreign Office spokesman Mohammed Faisal has said Asia is not yet free to leave the country. Although she has been declared innocent, she must wait until the Supreme Court responds to a writ demanding a review of its decision to acquit her.
‘Her writ is in court, when that is decided, Asia Bibi can go anywhere she wants to, she is a free national… if she wants to go abroad, no harm in it,’ reported The News International.
News reports say she is awaiting a visa from an undisclosed country.
Meanwhile, Islamists who have been calling for her death – despite her acquittal – claim the government has violated a deal drawn up to end the protests.
They have called for further protests in Karachi and across the country after Friday prayers.
Release International is asking for prayer for the Christian minority in Pakistan, who are braced for a backlash.
ENDS