One week after the country’s highest court ordered her release, Asia Bibi, who has spent eight years on death row for blasphemy, was still in prison on Wednesday, with no immediate prospect of freedom.
“Asia Bibi is in Multan jail and has not been released yet. We have not received orders to release her so far,” said Zawar Hussain Warraich, Minister for Prisons in Punjab province.
“Normally we receive orders in two days after court judgment and if relatives and lawyers of a prisoner are very active, they can bring it even within a day, but as far as Asia Bibi is concerned, it has not happened yet,” added Mr. Warraich. “Supreme Court should issue a directive to send us her release orders. We will release her as soon as we get it.”
He denied reports that extra security had been laid on for Ms. Bibi, saying “she is already well protected by the jail staff”.
Appeal in court
An appeal has been filed with the court against Ms. Bibi’s release and the party that headed the protests demanding her execution, Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan, has warned that its hardliners were prepared to take to the streets again.
Ms. Bibi’s husband Ashiq Masih has appealed for Britain or the United States to grant the family asylum, while her lawyer has fled to the Netherlands. Mr. Masih said the delay in releasing his wife was adding to the family’s agony.