Pakistan (Hansard, 20 October 2003)

§ Keith Vaz
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on relations with Pakistan. [131749]

§ Mr. Mike O'Brien
The UK has a close relationship with Pakistan. This relationship is strengthened by our historical links to Pakistan and by the very large number of Pakistani-origin British citizens. We have regular engagement with the Pakistani Government at all levels on a range of issues. Our relationship was further strengthened by the successful visit to the UK by President Musharraf in June 2003. The Pakistani Foreign Minister will be making an official visit to the UK as a Guest of Government in November 2003.
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§ Keith Vaz
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will meet the new Pakistani High Commissioner. [131751]

§ Mr. Mike O'Brien
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary briefly met the new Pakistani High Commissioner at the Labour Party Conference and I had a substantive meeting with her on 22 September 2003.

§ Harry Cohen
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his answer of 2 July 2003,Official Report, column 311W, on Pakistan, whether consular access to Mr. Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh has been granted; and if he will make a statement. [131773]

§ Mr. Mullin
We continue to seek consular access to Mr Sheikh. As explained to my hon. Friend on 2 July, if Mr Sheikh is a dual national, the Pakistani authorities are not obliged to give us consular access or information. We will, however, continue to press for access to ensure Mr Sheikh's welfare. The British Deputy High Commission in Karachi last wrote to the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 30 July, reminding them of the provisions of the Vienna Convention. We have not yet received a response.
The British Deputy High Commission also wrote to Mr Sheikh's legal representative on 1 September, asking him to deliver a letter offering consular assistance to Mr. Sheikh. Mr. Sheikh's legal representative explained that an earlier letter from the Deputy High Commission had been passed to Mr Sheikh. He therefore declined to pass this more recent letter to Mr Sheikh.