My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made clear in a statement to the House on 7 November 2007, Official Report, columns 130-32, that we condemn the mass detentions of politicians, lawyers and human rights activists, and call for their immediate release. It is vital that the Government of Pakistan act quickly to restore the constitution, hold free and fair elections on schedule, honour the President’s commitment to step down as army chief and lift restrictions on the media.
Our high commission in Islamabad has raised its concern at the highest levels for the welfare and safety of Parvaiz Aslam Chaudhry and all those in detention. Close attention is being paid to their treatment and preparations are under way, both bilaterally and through the EU, to visit or contact as many as possible