§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made since his return from Pakistan to the Pakistan Government regarding legislation they have proposed providing for the death penalty for certain categories of drug traffickers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BaldryWe have made no such representations.
More than 80 per cent. of the heroin seized in this country originates from south-west Asia. Much of this passes through Pakistan.
We have for some time been pressing the Government of Pakistan to introduce comprehensive anti-narcotics legislation. The ordinance signed by the President on 5 January has the force of law. Many of the provisions of the new ordinance are welcome and should enhance Pakistan's ability to combat drug trafficking.
I welcome provision in the new legislation for the seizure and forfeiture of the proceeds of drug trafficking. I hope that, before long, Britain and Pakistan will negotiate a bilateral asset confiscation agreement which would allow us to trace, freeze and confiscate the assets derived by drug traffickers from their crime. No one should profit from this evil trade.
The inclusion of provision for the death penalty as ale maximum sentence for the possession, import, export or transhipment of more than 100gm of heroin—or equivalent—is a matter for the Government of Pakistan, provided that respect is shown for the provisions on the death penalty in international human rights law.