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Pakistan: Christianity

Answer

Our High Commission in Islamabad followed the judicial process of the case of the two Christian sisters Anila and Saba closely through local human rights organisations. Following a hearing at the Lahore High Court on 9 September, Anila was returned to the custody of her parents since she is a minor. However, on the evidence of a medical board, Saba was found to be aged between and 15 and 17 and therefore considered by the court to be able to take her own decision. Saba chose to join her alleged abductors during the course of legal proceedings but we have been unable to interfere in the judicial process of this case. Officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and from our High Commission in Islamabad will remain in contact with human rights organisations who are considering taking this case forward through the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. Since Saba chose to join her alleged abductor, we understand that she would need to challenge the findings of the medical board or testify that her decision was made under duress to establish grounds for appeal.Whilst this case is recognised as being unique in so far as the parents were granted custody of one child whilst the other was given the right to choose for herself, we—with our European partners—will continue to raise our concerns with the Government of Pakistan over human rights issues and encourage the delivery of pledges that the Government of Pakistan has made as part of its membership of the UN Human Rights Council. These include the implementation of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child which Pakistan has ratified. Article 35 of this convention calls on States to take action to prevent the abduction of, sale of or traffic in children for any purpose.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

480 c230-1W; 221458

Session

2007-08

Subjects

Pakistan Christianity

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk