US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged Pakistan to do more to stop the abuse of blasphemy laws after the release of Asia Bibi.

While releasing the annual report on international religious freedom, Mr Pompeo said that more than 40 others were serving life sentences or facing execution for blasphemy in Pakistan.

He added that they continue to call for their release and encourage the government to appoint an envoy to address religious freedom concerns. Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Catholic, was convicted of blasphemy in 2010 and sent to death row.

Despite public protests against her, Bibi was acquitted on appeal last year and in May was able to leave for Canada.

Pompeo, also strongly criticized US adversaries Iran and China.

Quoting non-governmental groups, the report said Saudi Arabia, has detained more than 1,000 minority Shiites since 2011, mostly for non-violence offenses such as participating in or promoting protests on social media.