A three-judge panel announced the verdict of Asia Bibi's acquittal on final appeal that challenged the Lahore High Court’s October 2014 verdict upholding a trial court’s November 2010 decision which sentenced her to death for committing blasphemy in 2009.
The case reportedly centred on allegations Bibi drank water from a cup shared by Muslim co-workers in 2009 and committing blasphemy against Islam's Prophet Muhammad.
The offence carries a mandatory death penalty under Pakistani law.
The judgement was read in court by the Chief Justice of Pakistan.
"For the foregoing reasons, this appeal is allowed. "The judgments of the High Court as well as the Trial Court are reversed. "Consequently, the conviction as also the sentence of death awarded to the appellant is set aside and she is acquitted of the charge. She be released from jail forthwith, if not required in any other criminal case."
Hundreds of police have been put on alert after the ruling.
Here is the link to the judgement.
The 56-page detailed judgement has been authored by CJP Nisar, with a separate concurrent opinion note from Justice Khosa.
