We work discreetly to protect Asia Bibi, says Italy

In order to protect the Christian Asia Bibi, who was acquitted last week by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, accused of blasphemy, Italy holds consultations with other Western countries. a plan to keep his family safe.

"We are working discreetly with other Western countries.It is necessary to protect her, as well as her family," said Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini on Italian Radio 102.5 Rtl.

"We can not allow such a situation in 2018 … women and children should not be in danger," Salvini said.

Bibi, sentenced to death, can not leave Pakistan after violent protests by the Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) against acquittal by the Supreme Court.

Her husband, Ashiq Masih, claims that the family could be killed by Islamists and pleaded for asylum in the United Kingdom, the United States or Canada.

Bibi's case galvanized Christian and human rights groups outraged by Pakistan's treatment of religious minorities, including its small Christian population. Many Christians have been convicted of blasphemy since the 1990s in Pakistan.

"It is absolutely a priority for me to secure a future for this poor woman and her family.Many Italians work in Pakistan and we have important trade links with the country," Salvini said.

"Pakistan is certainly not an enemy and we act with great discretion and caution, but we will fight against all forms of fanaticism," he said.

Salvini is also Italian Minister of the Interior and leader of the right-wing party, which has criticized Islam.

Asia Bibi was invited with her family to visit the European Parliament, said its president Antonio Tajani.

"I call on the Pakistani authorities to issue the necessary documents." European rules require that protection be afforded to those who are threatened because of their religion, "tweeted Tajani.

The Pakistani government reached an agreement with the TLP on Friday which included not opposing a petition for review against the Supreme Court ruling that acquitted Bibi.

The government also agreed not to oppose a TLP application to add Bibi to a list preventing him from leaving the country.

( With the contributions of IANS )