Pakistan confirms it discussed Asia Bibi's case with Canada

Pakistan confirmed on Tuesday that it has discussed with Canada the case of Asia Bibi, a day after Ottawa indicated that it wants to offer asylum to the Christian woman recently freed from prison after her blasphemy conviction was overturned.

Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal's remarks came a day after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that his government was holding talks with Pakistan over potentially offering asylum to Bibi.

Faisal said that Canadian Foreign Minister telephoned his Pakistan counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday.

"Among other issues, Asia Bibi was discussed. Canadian FM appreciated Supreme Court's courageous decision...Qureshi said that Asia Bibi is our national and Pakistan fully respects her legal rights," Faisal tweeted.

The confirmation about official contact by Canada about Bibi was made by Pakistan after Canadain Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, "We are in discussions with the Pakistani government."