HC Deb 12 May 1998 vol 312 c109W
Mr. Touhig

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Pakistan Government expressing concern about the death sentence passed on Ayub Masih for blasphemy. [41385]

Mr. Fatchett

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bournemouth, East (Mr. Atkinson) on 7 May 1998,Official Report, column 483.

Mr. Touhig

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will monitor the case of Pakistani Christian, Ayub Masih, who was sentenced to death on 27 April at Punjab District Court for blasphemy. [41384]

Mr. Fatchett

Our High Commission in Islamabad is monitoring Ayub Masih's case closely. His lawyers have lodged an appeal in the Punjab High Court against his sentence. I was shocked to hear of the suicide of Bishop John Joseph on 6 May, apparently in protest at Ayub Masih's sentence. Our High Commission has sent condolences to his family and community.

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