Pakistan (Hansard, 16 February 1999)

§ Mr. Leigh
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the extent of persecution of minority(a) political parties and (b) religions in Pakistan. [70376]

§ Mr. Fatchett
We are monitoring the situation closely. I made clear during my visit last week our concern at reports of abuses against minorities.

§ Mr. Leigh
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government will raise in bilateral talks with the Government of Pakistan the extent to which the fundamental rights guaranteed by the country's constitution are being honoured; and what steps he is taking to seek to ensure these rights are honoured. [70375]

§ Mr. Fatchett
I raised this issue with Pakistan's Minister of Law on 8 February. He told me that he was concerned that all Pakistanis received the rights granted to them under the constitution. We will continue to follow this issue closely.

§ Mr. Leigh
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received from officials in Pakistan about the growth of Muslim extremism in Pakistan; and what assessment he has made of its possible effects on Anglo-Pakistan relations. [70371]
742W

§ Mr. Fatchett
Our Missions report on all aspects of Pakistan. Our relations with Pakistan are deep-rooted and friendly. An objective of our regular bilateral dialogue is to ensure this remains the case.

§ Mr. Dismore
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department made to the Pakistan Government during the visit to Pakistan by the Minister of State between 8 and 10 February, concerning the suppression of the Daily Jang newspaper; and if he will make a statement. [71184]

§ Mr. Fatchett
On 8 February I expressed concern to the Minister of Law that the Pakistan Government's dispute with the Jang Group threatened to undermine press freedom and democracy. The Minister replied that freedom of speech and an independent press were separately guaranteed under Pakistan's Constitution. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.