To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received in the case of Qamar David, on trial in Karachi on blasphemy charges; what representations he has made to the government of Pakistan on the case; and if he will make a statement. (276191)

Officials at our high commission in Islamabad are monitoring Mr. David's case. The next court hearing is scheduled for 16 June 2009. While legal proceedings are in progress, we are unable to intervene. As such we have not specifically raised Mr. David's case with the Government of Pakistan.

Bilaterally and with our EU partners we have raised the frequent abuse of Pakistan's blasphemy legislation and have called for reform or repeal of these discriminatory laws.