Asia Bibi now in Islamabad after jail release: minister

LAHORE: Denying reports that Asia Bibi has flown out of country, Information Minister Punjab, Fayyaz ul Hasan Chauhan, says foreign media reports on the case are totally false, ARY News reported.

‘Asia Bibi is in Pakistan and she’s has gone nowhere,” said the minister while talking to media here. He confirmed that the woman was released from Multan jail and was then flown to Islamabad under tight security.

He added that if the top court puts Asia Bibi on the Exit Control List (ECL), it will be acceptable to the government. He also mentioned the government agreement [with protesters], saying the a review petition will also be filed by the other party against acquittal of Asia Bibi.

Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal has also denied reports that Asia Bibi had left Pakistan.

The Supreme Court on October 31 set aside the conviction of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman condemned to death for blasphemy.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar read out the verdict, exonerating Asia Bibi from blasphemy charges and ordering her immediate release if she was not wanted in another case.

“The appeal is allowed. She has been acquitted. The judgment of high court as well as trial court is reversed. Her conviction is set aside,” said the top judge.

Asia Bibi was arrested in 2009 after three women went to a local cleric in Sheikhupura, to report her and the trial court convicted and sentenced her to death.