§ Mr. StreeterTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received concerning religious persecution in Pakistan; and if he will make a statement. [60710]
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§ Mr. FatchettWe have received representations expressing concern about religious minorities in Pakistan and its blasphemy laws. We share these concerns. I raised the issue of religious minorities with the Interior Minister during my visit to Pakistan last year, as did my noble Friend the Under-Secretary in January this year. As Presidency we led an EU démarche on the blasphemy laws on 14 May and participated in a further EU démarche on 19 October. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and raise our concerns with the Pakistan authorities.