ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office on Tuesday confirmed that Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had spoken to his Canadian counterpart Chrystia Freeland about Aasia Bibi, who was released from jail last week after being acquitted of a blasphemy charge by the Supreme Court.

“Canadian FM telephoned FM Qureshi yesterday. Among other issues, Aasia Bibi was discussed,” FO spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal tweeted.

His tweet was apparently in response to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement that his government was in touch with Pakistani authorities on Aasia Bibi, whose acquittal sparked violent protests in the country.

Foreign minister also assures Dr Aafia’s sister of complete support

PM Trudeau had in an interview with AFP said: “We are in discussion with the Pakistani government.

“There is a delicate domestic context that we respect which is why I don’t want to say any more about that, but I will remind people Canada is a welcoming country.”

His remarks clearly showed that Canada had offered to grant asylum to the Christian woman.

The Canadian government had earlier asked Pakistan to ensure her well-being. FM Freeland had also said that her government was engaged with Pakistan on the issue.

In another tweet, Dr Faisal said FM Qureshi had assured his counterpart that being a Pakistani national Aasia’s rights would be fully respected.

FM meets Aafia’s sister

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Qureshi met Aafia Siddiqi’s sister Dr Fauzia Siddiqi.

“Met Dr Fauzia Siddiqui today and assured her of my full support. I’ve asked our consul general in Houston to seek regular consular visits and ensure Dr Siddiqui’s well-being in line with her legal & human rights. Also discussed possible way forward for Dr Aafia’s repatriation,” Mr Qureshi tweeted.

Dr Aafia had recently written a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan seeking his help for her release from jail, where she has been serving 86-year sentence for attacking American military troops. She had sent the letter through Pakistan’s consul general in Houston, Aisha Farooqui.

At the last media briefing, the FO spokesman said the government was “treading very carefully in the matter”.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2018