Asia Bibi arrives in Canada after fleeing Pakistan

Pakistani Christian Asia Bibi has fled the country, to join her daughters in Canada.

According to DW, Bibi fled with her husband Ashiq Masih who has fought a long eight years of legal battle in Pakistani courts to relief Bibi amid growing pressure from hardline protesters.

“Bibi has not reached Canada yet, her daughters are in Calgary city waiting for their mother to arrive. Canadian authorities will keep the family unter tight security and Bibi will not interact with media,” a family member told DW.

The family has been discreet about her leaving the country safely in secret. Her departure was delayed for six months after her acquittal, mainly due to the extreme pressure from the deep state, and was not allowed to complete her paper work for asylum in the West.

Diplomatic and government sources in Islamabad have confirmed the move.

After the Supreme Court acquitted Bibi from her blasphemy charges, the 53-year-old mother of five was moved to Karachi last year in November.

Bibi was kept in a protective custody and was constantly facing death threats from hardliners. Her lawyer Saif ul Malook left the country in November last year, who was also faced with death threats. “We are happy that she fled the country after long delays and got justice. We were concerned about her safety but were not allowed to meet her or even speak with her over the phone to complete the paperwork,” one diplomat told DW.