To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Government of Pakistan on the impact of Shari'a law on Pakistani Christians in the North West Frontier Province. [123638]
We are aware that a Shariat Bill has been passed in the North West Frontier Province which envisages an Islamic way of life there. No representation has been made because the human rights implications are as yet unclear. The law is not yet in force and its constitutionality has reportedly been challenged in the Supreme Court. Our High Commission in Pakistan will continue to monitor the evolving situation closely.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Government of Pakistan on the imprisonment of Pakistani Christians charged with blasphemy. [123639]
We remain concerned about the treatment of minorities and misuse of the blasphemy laws. We are aware of a number of people (including Pakistani Christians) who are imprisoned for blasphemy, some of whom are facing the death sentence. On 7 February 2003 the EU Presidency in Islamabad delivered a comprehensive demarche to the Minister of State (Law, Justice and Human Rights), Mr. Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj, expressing our serious concerns. The Presidency reiterated these concerns to Mr. Harraj, in a second demarche on 23 June 2003. With our EU partners, we will continue to press for the death penalty to be abolished and blasphemy laws amended.