Asia Bibi leaves Pakistan, sources say she is headed to Canada

Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who was recently acquitted of blasphemy, has left Pakistan. According to government sources, Bibi has left for Canada.

Asia Bibi was in protective custody in Pakistan since her acquittal in October last year. She was on death row since 2010.

Bibi, a farm worker, was condemned in 2010 over allegations that she made derogatory remarks about Islam after neighbours working in the fields with her objected to her drinking water from their glass because she was not Muslim. She has always denied committing blasphemy.

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Bibi was charged for Blasphemy over the incident that took place in 2009.

The popular belief of the region restricts Christians from drinking water from the same utensil as "they are considered unclean".

The conflict between Asia and the neighbours escalated after other villagers joined the fight.

Asia was also beaten by a mob which attacked her in her house. She was later rescued by the police and was arrested after an investigation.

Asia Bibi was the only Christian in the village. Even before the incident, she was repeatedly asked by fellow workers to convert to Islam, she said.

Asia remained in the prison for one year before being formally charged under the law.

Bibi's case has outraged Christians worldwide and reignited a debate about Pakistan's draconian blasphemy law, which critics say is often abused and unfairly targets ethnic minorities.

Many blasphemy cases in Pakistan see Muslims accusing Muslims, and rights activists say charges under the colonial-era legislation are frequently used to settle personal scores.

Minorities - particularly Christians - are often caught in the crossfire, while mere calls to reform the laws have also provoked violence.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had earlier said that his country is ready to welcome Asia Bibi, and that talks are on with Pakistan government. Watch the video for more: