§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received concerning the situation of(a) Ayub Masih and (b) other Christians in Pakistan; and if he will make a statement. [53655]
§ Mr. BradshawWe have received a large number of representatives from hon. Members and members of the public about Ayub Masih. We are deeply concerned about the misuse of the blasphemy laws in Pakistan and the fate of many Pakistani citizens, including Christians, imprisoned under these laws. Together with our EU partners, we have raised our concerns at regular intervals with the Pakistani authorities, citing specific cases including that of Mr. Masih We raised his case again with our EU partners on 10 April 2002 and are now considering what further action we should take.