News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Pakistan-Asia-Bibi-protest-main_article_image.jpg
AP Photo/Shakil Adil
World News

Asia Bibi not allowed to leave Pakistan

by Cara Bentley

Despite her lawyer Saif ul-Malook, saying "A person alleged to have committed blasphemy cannot live in Pakistan", authorities are taking action to put her on the Exit Control list. 

Malook, who successfully won her court appeal, has now fled Pakistan for safety after violent Muslim rioters who had threatened to kill him along with Asia Bibi and other people who supported her. 

Fleeing may not be an option for Asia Bibi though, as the government made an agreement on Friday with Islamist protesters to begin the process of stopping her leaving the country. 

There has been rioting in the country since her acquittal from accusations of blasphemy on Wednesday. 

In 2010, Asia Bibi was accused of blaspheming against the prophet Muhammad. After nearly a decade away from her family and on death row, she was cleared of the accusation this week and told she would not face the death penalty. 

This caused unrest throughout Pakistan for those who still believe she insulted Islam, leading to the government striking a deal with rioters to limit her movement. 

Also part of the agreement was a promise to not reject a petition to review her acquittal and to release those arrested at the protests. 

Supporters have expressed their dismay at this, saying it does not follow legal processes and that the government are bowing to pressure from the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, an Islamist political party. 

Many want her to be given asylum, with France and Spain having offered, and the UK, Australia and Canada being seen a potential options. 

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate