Britain has not offered asylum to a Pakistani Christian woman freed after eight years on death row for blasphemy because of fear it would prompt “unrest” in the UK and attacks on embassies, her supporters claim.

Asia Bibi and her family had appealed for sanctuary in Britain after her conviction was quashed by Pakistan's supreme court.

The acquittal of the 53-year-old Catholic farmworker prompted days of demonstrations by hardline Islamist parties in Pakistan who had campaigned for her to be hanged.

The mother-of-five remains hidden in Pakistan after Imran Khan's government agreed to allow a petition against the court decision, as part of a deal to halt the protests.

A UK campaign group in touch with the family said the British government was working to help Asia Bibi, but had stopped short of offering asylum.

Ashiq Mesih (R) and Eisham Ashiq, the husband and daughter of Asia Bibi, are also trying to leave Pakistan credit: AFP

Wilson Chowdhry of the British Pakistani Christian Association, said: “Britain was concerned about potential unrest in the country, attacks on embassies and civilians.

“They have not offered automatic asylum, whereas several countries have now come forward. They won't be coming to Britain. The family will definitely not be coming to Britain.”

He said Britain was “being helpful”, but it was “an enduring shame that a country with such a lauded history of helping refugees and asylum seekers, that when the Asia Bibi case has come before them, they haven't been as generous as they have for many victims in the past”.

A supreme court decision to acquit Asia Bibi prompted days of protests from some religious parties in Pakistan. credit: AFP

He went on: “It does seem to me that Britain is now a country that is unsafe for those who may be tarred with an allegation of blasphemy. We are very aware that there are extremist elements in this country.”

“Britain would have been one of their first choices. America, Britain and Canada, these would have been their first choices. It was a bit of a kick in the teeth.”

Mr Chowdhry said a plan for her to leave the country was being drawn up, but that none of her supporters would give details until she and her family were safely out, adding that Mrs Bibi is unable to leave the country until the legal petition has run its course.

Supporters of Mrs Bibi in this country have reacted with alarm at the suggestion she may be turned down for asylum.

Damian Green MP, the former Cabinet Office Minister, who with 19 other Catholic MPs and Peers has written to the Government urging it to allow her to come here, said: “It would be very disturbing if that was on ministers’ minds. It would clearly be unacceptable if that was the case.”

A candlelight vigil for the Mrs Bibi will be held outside Pakistan's High Commission in London on Monday afternoon.

Mrs Bibi's conviction caused outcry among Christians worldwide and attracted the attention of the Pope.

Her case has also divided Pakistan and focused attention on the country's harsh blasphemy laws.

Her difficulties began as she picked berries with other farmworkers in a Punjab field in June 2009. A quarrel with two Muslim women erupted after she was asked to fetch water and they said they would not drink from a vessel touched by a Christian.

The women later alleged to a village mullah that Mrs Bibi had insulted the Prophet. She has always denied blasphemy and said she had been falsely accused to settle a score.

A spokeswoman for the Home Office said it could not comment on individual cases, but Whitehall sources added that: “We welcome the assurances the government of Pakistan has given on keeping her and her family safe.

“It is important that all countries seek to uphold the rule of law and afford security and protection for the rights of all citizens irrespective or faith or belief.”