Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions officials in her Department have had with their counterparts in Pakistan on the so-called blasphemy laws and reported vigilante acts committed on British soil.

We raise this issue privately at the highest levels. We press for speedy and fair trials for those accused and urge the Pakistan authorities to ensure the safety of those released. On 23 and 24 June during a visit to Pakistan, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister for South Asia met Prime Minister Imran Khan, as well as other senior government ministers including Foreign Minister Qureshi and Human Rights Minister Mazari. During these meetings, he highlighted the need to address persecution, promote respect for all religions and increase tolerance for religious minorities. In March the High Commissioner also met senior representatives of the Christian faith and discussed blasphemy, as well as other issues around freedom of religion or belief. We will continue to urge the government of Pakistan to guarantee the fundamental rights of all its citizens, regardless of their religion or belief.