According to news reports, Asia Bibi has been flown to Islamabad after being acquitted by the country’s Supreme Court of blasphemy charges.
Asia’s lawyer Saif ul-Malook told the news agency Agence France Presse that Asia has been freed from prison and put on a plane.
The Guardian and others report she was removed from detention in Punjab, amid high security and flown to the capital Islamabad.
The Pakistan Foreign Office has denied reports that Asia Bibi has been flown out of the country, calling it fake news. They say she is still in Pakistan. The Minister of State for the Interior has denied that Asia’s name has been placed on an exit control list that would prevent her leaving the country.
Asia Bibi has been on death row in Pakistan for eight years on blasphemy charges that she denied. Islamists took to the streets in protest after the case was thrown out by the Supreme Court, calling for the overthrow of the government and threatening to bring the country to a standstill.
There have been calls for further protests today (Thursday) and on Friday.
Release International continues to call for prayers for her safety, along with her family and her lawyer. Please also pray for Christians in Pakistan. Islamist protestors threatened a violent backlash if Asia were to be allowed to leave the country.
ENDS