Christian on Pakistan death row FREED after charge of insulting Prophet Muhammad

Asia Bibi was accused of blasphemy in 2010 after a row over water with neighbours.

Her acquittal is expected to meet significant opposition from the public in Pakistan, many of whom support the harsh law.

Hardline religious clerics have urged people to take to the streets in protest.

The capital, Islamabad, is now under high security due to fears of violence ensuing.

The ruling was read out by Chief Justice Saquib Nisar at the Supreme Court in Islamabad.

He said: “The appeal is allowed. She has been acquitted.

“The judgement of high court as well as trial court is reversed. Her conviction is set aside.”

It has been ordered that Ms Bibi should be released if she has not committed any other crime.

Campaigners argue Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are often based on thin evidence and used to get revenge for personal disputes.

Others say people should have the right to freedom of speech.

Ms Bibi’s case rose to infamy after a regional governor, Salman Taseer, who appealed for leniency for her was murdered in a public square in the capital by his own bodyguard.

The perpetrator was sentenced to death for his crime, but many view him as a martyr.

Minority Affairs Minister Shahbaz Bhatti who also spoke in Ms Bibi’s support was shot dead two months after Mr Taseer was killed.

Ms Bibi was originally accused of blasphemy after an argument with several other women in June 2009, whilst they were harvesting fruit in Sheikhupura, near Lahore.

The women said her faith had made a cup she used unclean and she should convert to Islam.

They alleged Ms Bibi’s response included three offensive comments about the Prophet Muhammad.

She was later beaten up in her home, during which she allegedly confessed.

Ms Bibi admitted arguing with the women, but always maintained she said nothing blasphemous and was innocent of the charges.

Whilst internationally Ms Bibi’s conviction has been condemned as a breach of human rights, within the country there has been strong support.

After the acquittal, large crowds gathered outside the court demanding her conviction to be upheld.

Ms Bibi, a mother of five, has been offered asylum by several countries and will most likely leave the country if released over worries about her safety.