To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment has been made of the security situation in (a) the province of Sindh and (b) Karachi following violence in early June; and if he will make a statement. (281932)

Ethnic tension and political rivalry leading to violence is not uncommon in Karachi. However, increased violence in Karachi and Sindh over the last six weeks is a cause for concern, particularly given the apparent targeting of political activists. We understand 17 people affiliated to local political parties have been arrested. We continue to closely monitor the situation and urge all parties to refrain from violence.