§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to Pakistan in its capacity as a member of the Commonwealth to repeal discriminatory laws against women and offer equal opportunities for women in all fields.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe regularly urge the Government of Pakistan to ensure the protection of the human rights of all Pakistanis. The United Kingdom aid programme in Pakistan promotes the status of women, which is one of ODA's seven priority objectives.
§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to Pakistan in relation to the ending of child labour and for a free and compulsory education system.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe Government of Pakistan are aware of our expectation that they will meet their obligations as a signatory to the UN convention on the rights of the child, and enforce their own Bonded Labour Systems (Abolition) Act. The, United Kingdom's aid programme in Pakistan includes assistance for children's education.
§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to Pakistan on the ending of discrimination on the basis of religion, with particular reference to the law requiring indication of religion on the national identity card.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe have frequently urged the Government of Pakistan to protect the constitutional rights of religious minorities. There is no current requirement in Pakistan for religious affiliation to be indicated on national identity cards.
§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to Pakistan about equal rights for religious minorities in Pakistan.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe have frequently urged the Government of Pakistan to ensure that the rights of religious minorities are protected, as the country's constitution requires.
§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to Pakistan in relation to reports of recent human rights violations in Karachi; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe regularly urge the relevant Pakistani authorities to safeguard human rights. On 11 May Her Majesty's deputy high commissioner in Karachi, along with other EU representatives, discussed the situation there with the Chief Minister of Sindh.