HL Deb 04 March 2003 vol 645 cc93-4WA
Lord Lamont of Lerwick

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answers by Baroness Amos on 4 November 2002 (WA75), 6 November 2002 (WA103) and 25 November 2002 (WA17) about human rights in Pakistan and the situation of Asif Ali Zardari, why they have not raised this case with the Pakistani Government in view of the court case registered by the Sindh High Court in early 2002 against certain police officers with respect to Mr Zardari's ill treatment; [HL1617]

Further to the Written Answers by Baroness Amos on 4 November 2002 (WA75), 6 November 2002 (WA103) and 25 November 2002 (WA17) about human rights in Pakistan and the situation of Asif Ali Zardari, why they have not raised this case with the Pakistani Government in light of the length of the proceedings against Mr Zardari and the failure of the Pakistani authorities to comply with the Supreme Court order for a timetable for the completion of all proceedings against Mr Zardari. [HL1618]

Baroness Amos

We regulary engage with the Pakistani authorities on a wide range of human rights issues. Where appropriate, we make bilateral representations in specific cases on behalf of British nationals. Mr Zardari is not a British national. The UK may on occasion raise specific cases of non-British nationals. However, we are not entitled to provide the formal consular or diplomatic protection that we can offer to British nationals. We have not concluded that there are reasons for the UK to raise Mr Zardari's case.

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