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Pakistan

Volume 709: debated on Tuesday 24 March 2009

Question

Asked by

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made or intend to make representations to the Government of Pakistan about allegations that religious minorities were denied full participation in the Senate election held on 4 March. [HL2050]

Representatives from religious minorities were unable to participate in the Senate election held on 4 March 2009 because legislation to reserve Senate seats for minorities has yet to be passed. On 16 December 2008, Prime Minister Gilani announced that five seats would be set aside in the Senate for minorities and the recently appointed Minister for Minorities has committed to take this forward through the National Assembly.

Following Pakistan's parliamentary elections in February 2008, the EU Election Observation Mission issued a report which stressed the need for increased participation of minorities in the election process. We have endorsed these recommendations and are working with the EU to identify ways to support the strengthening of democratic institutions including by encouraging the participation of minorities in the election process.