HL Deb 25 May 1999 vol 601 c72WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ask the British High Commission in Islamabad to seek permission to visit the detained editor of the Friday Times, Najan Sethi, notwithstanding the absence of any right of access under the Vienna Conventions. [HL2491]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The Foreign Secretary has made clear to the Pakistan Foreign Minister our concern at the arrest of Mr. Sethi and other journalists in Pakistan. We hope that any charges brought against them will be dealt with in accordance with due legal process. We joined our EU partners in sending a similar message to the Government of Pakistan. We were pleased to learn that Mr. Sethi's family were allowed to see him on 17 May.