To ask Her Majesty's Government whether United Kingdom officials were consulted about or authorised the paying of a ransom to secure the release of Sahil Saeed in Pakistan. [HL3014]

Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials were neither consulted about nor authorised payment of a ransom to secure the release of Sahil Saeed in Pakistan. The UK Government's policy of not making or facilitating substantive concessions to hostage-takers, including the payment of ransoms, is long standing and clear. We believe that making such concessions rewards hostage-taking and encourages future kidnaps. We will continue to offer consular assistance to the families of those taken by kidnappers.