Pakistan blasphemy case: Asia Bibi freed from jail after eight years on death row

Read | Asia Bibi, on death row for blasphemy since 2010, freed by Pakistan Supreme Court

Bibi, a 47-year-old mother of four, was convicted in 2010 for insulting Islam in a row with her neighbours in 2009. She always maintained her innocence but spent most of the past eight years in solitary confinement.

The top court’s ruling had earned the wrath of several Islamists and had sparked countrywide protests. Several hardliners called for Bibi to be hanged. Bibi’s husband had said his family was in danger and had also pleaded for asylum.

Read | Fearing for life, Asia Bibi’s lawyer flees Pakistan; requests govt to protect family

A spokesman for the hardline Tehreek-e-Labaik (TLP) party said Asia Bibi’s release was in breach of their deal with the government. “The rulers have shown their dishonesty,” TLP spokesman Ejaz Ashrafi said.

The Imran Khan-led government has said that it will initiate legal proceedings to prevent Bibi from going abroad.