§ Mr. DhandaTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Government of Pakistan about its human rights record. [139358]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienOn 4 November my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I met with Pakistani Foreign Minister Kasuri. One of the topics discussed was the issue of human rights in Pakistan. With our EU partners we regularly engage the Pakistani authorities on Human Rights issues. On 7 February 2003 EU member states delivered a comprehensive demarche underlining their concerns on a wide range of human rights related issues. These concerns were reiterated on 23 June 2003.
§ Mr. DhandaTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his counterparts in(a) European Union member states and (b) other governments in connection with human rights in Pakistan. [139359]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has regular discussions on Pakistan with his counterparts in EU and other governments. Issues related to human rights are raised frequently.
§ Mr. DhandaTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of restrictions by the Pakistani Government on the freedom of movement of Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti, Chairman of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance; and if he will raise the matter with the High Commissioner of Pakistan. [139360]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienOn 14 October Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti, Chairman of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance was placed on the Pakistan Interior Ministry's Exit Control List for reasons of national security. This means that Mr. Bhatti is restricted from leaving Pakistan. We understand that Mr. Bhatti has made a formal complaint to the Interior Ministry. Together with our EU colleagues we will be raising our concerns that this might be discriminatory use of the Exit Control List with the Government of Pakistan.