Asia Bibi left Pakistan out of her own free will: FO

ISLAMABAD: Asia Bibi left Pakistan out of her own free will, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal told reporters on Thursday.

Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who was acquitted by the Supreme Court in a blasphemy case arrived in Canada from Pakistan.

“Asia Bibi has left the country. She is a free citizen and left on her own free will,” Dr Faisal said.

Asia Bibi’s conviction was overturned by Pakistan’s highest court on October 31, 2018 in a landmark decision. She had remained in prison as the Supreme Court’s decision triggered protests in the country from religious groups led by the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan. Protesters were called off when the government agreed to impose a travel ban on Asia Bibi and not to challenge a review appeal against the verdict.

In January 2019, the apex court rejected the petition challenging the decision to acquit Asia Bibi. Following the rejection of the petition, Asia Bibi was moved to a secret location.