Asia Bibi "very unwell" in Pakistan safe house

A PAKISTANI Christian mother freed from a blasphemy death sentence in the country, is said to be "very unwell."

Asia Bibi's health is failing and she is being denied access to medical care, MailOnline reported.

Although Bibi is free to leave the country, her freedom is now being blocked by the army, the report added. Bibi and her husband remain in protective custody sheltering from lynch mobs. In Pakistan, even unproven accusations of insulting Islam have spark lynchings.

"Asia has extremely low blood pressure and she is not getting the medical treatment she needs.

"Everyone is very worried. She won her appeal and was supposed to be out of Pakistan by now. Even though the government says she can leave, the army has all the power in this case.

"They are in control of her. They are fearful about getting a negative press if she speaks out about her experiences – but they will get an even worse press if she dies in protective custody."

The 53-year-old was supposed to leave Pakistan for Canada in January. But her escape is "no longer imminent," and this has raised concerns among her family and friends.

Her two daughters have already moved to Canada after prime minister Justin Trudeau offered asylum.

Bibi was convicted in 2010 of offending Prophet Mohammed following an argument with her neighbours over a cup of water.

In October 2018, Bibi was freed on appeal and her acquittal led hardline Islamist leaders to call for the death of the judges who made the decision.

Following widespread protests, the government barred Bibi from leaving the country, with hardline Islamists threatening to track her down and kill her.

Some have suggested they would pursue her abroad if she leaves the country.