To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions she has had with the Government of Pakistan on its blasphemy laws and hudood ordinances. (130671)

My right hon. Friend the Minister for Trade, visited Pakistan in November 2006 and raised the issue of human rights with the Government of Pakistan. He welcomed the adoption of the Women’s Protection Bill in November 2006, which made significant amendments to the hudood legislation governing rape and adultery, as an important step by the Government of Pakistan.

In subsequent correspondence with the Government of Pakistan in February, my right hon. Friend raised the abuse of the blasphemy laws and the impact on religious minorities in particular.

We will continue to raise our human rights concerns with the Government of Pakistan, bilaterally and together with our EU partners.