Blasphemy case: Pakistan Supreme Court upholds Asia Bibi acquittal

The Supreme court of Pakistan on Tuesday dismissed the review petition filed against its October verdict in the Asia Bibi blasphemy case, upholding the acquittal it granted to the Christian woman earlier. This paves the way for her to leave the country, though details on where she will head and when remain unknown.

A three-member bench of the SC heard the case, where Ghulam Mustafa, Consul of the complainant argued on the merits of the case. Justice Asif Saeed Khosa — considered Pakistan's top expert in criminal law — asked the consul to identify his objections on the acquittal verdict.

Speaking outside the Supreme Court to WION, Asia Bibi's lawyer, Saiful Mulook termed it a landmark verdict, adding she can fly out tonight from Pakistan. He said, "I think at this time she is here (in Pakistan) — but by tonight, I don't know."

Unconfirmed Pakistani reports claim her children have already fled to Canada. France said it was ready to welcome Bibi and her family "if they wish".