The girl, whom supporters say is 11 and has learning difficulties, has been held in a high-security prison for three weeks since being accused of burning pages of religious script.

In a sweltering courtroom in Islamabad, Judge Muhammad Azam Khan ordered her release and set bail at 1million rupees (£6,900).

The decision is highly unusual in blasphemy cases. Such is the public hysteria, judges are under intense pressure to refuse bail and find defendants guilty…

Tahir Naveed Chaudhry told The Daily Telegraph she would not be released until her supporters could guarantee her safety, which would mean an armoured car and armed guards.