Asia Bibi, the Christian woman who was convicted of blasphemy and later acquitted by the Pakistan Supreme Court, is likely to be flown out of the country as the landmark judgment sparked nation-wide protests and death threats from several hardline groups.
The 47-year-old Bibi, a mother of four children was convicted in 2010 after being accused of defiling the name of the Prophet Mohammed during an argument the year before with Muslim colleagues.
The workers had refused to drink from a bucket of water Asia Bibi had touched because she was not Muslim. At the time, Asia Bibi said the case was a matter of women who didn't like her "taking revenge."
The landmark verdict, which was pronounced on Wednesday, triggered protests across Pakistan with protestors led by Islamic political party Tehreek-i-Labaik Pakistan and other groups blocking major highways and roads in different parts of the country.
Bibi's husband Ashiq Masih has reached Pakistan along with his family from the UK to shift her abroad, The News reported quoting sources.
Masih was provided complete security by the law enforcement agencies, it said.
Officials also said Bibi might be flown out of Pakistan due to threat to her life.
However, it was not clear where she will go as several countries, including Canada, have offered asylum to her.
The timing of her release was not been shared due to security reasons. She was kept in Sheikhupura jail near Lahore.
Bibi's case has been deeply divisive in Pakistan where there is strong support for the controversial blasphemy laws.
The blasphemy laws were promulgated by former military dictator Ziaul Haq in 1980s. A person convicted under these laws is given death sentence.
Bibi was the first woman who was given death sentence under the blasphemy laws.
(With PTI inputs)
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