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Report: Christian Asia Bibi to finally leave Pakistan 'within a matter of days'
February 12, 2019
Bibi, who spent nearly a decade on death row, has been granted asylum in Canada
Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who spent eight years on death row for allegedly violating Pakistan's anti-blasphemy laws, is finally set to leave the Islamic country "within a matter of days," bringing a climactic end to her journey for freedom.
What are the details?
British Pakistani Christian Association's Wilson Chowdhry, who has worked alongside Bibi's family, exclusively told Faithwire that Pakistani and Canadian authorities have ensured Bibi's safety in preparation for her imminent departure from Pakistan. She has been granted asylum in Canada.
"Our belief is that Asia Bibi and [Bibi's husband] Ashiq Masih are in good care," Chowdhry told Faithwire. "Officials from their future country of residence are providing security and all essentials to the family. Pakistani security forces are also very involved in the security of the family.
"The exact date and time of exit of the family is known by only a small handful of officials from Pakistan and the country of safe haven," Chowdhry explained. "However, my belief is that the exit will be conducted in a matter of days."
Pakistan's Supreme Court ruled last month that Bibi was free to leave the country after denying a petition to appeal their ruling last October, which overturned Bibi's blasphemy conviction, triggering mass protests in the Muslim-majority country.
Bibi's security has been a major point of concern since her release from prison. A family friend who has been working with diplomats in assisting Bibi's family told The Associated Press over the weekend that Bibi was recently moved from an undisclosed location in Pakistan's capital city of Islamabad to a secure location in Karachi, a coastal city in southern Pakistan.
Chowdhry told Faithwire that bureaucratic red tape has delayed Bibi's departure.
Bibi's daughters are already living in Canada. The country's foreign minister said last month that ensuring Bibi's safe passage from Pakistan to Canada is a top national priority.
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Staff Writer
Chris Enloe is a staff writer for Blaze News
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