Skip to main content

Written question asked by Lord Patten (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Malloch-Brown (Labour) on Thursday, 22 January 2009.


Pakistan: Blasphemy Laws

Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to encourage the authorities in Pakistan to provide protection for lawyers and others facing death threats or intimidation for defending individuals accused of breaching the blasphemy laws.
Answer

We are concerned about the reports of threats or intimidation faced by lawyers who defend those charged under blasphemy legislation. We fund a range of programme and project work that aims to enhance civil society's capacity to act as advocates and promote human rights in Pakistan. Through the EU, we are working on a number of initiatives to ensure protection for human rights defenders, including lawyers. We are also committed to supporting the Government of Pakistan in building a prosperous and stable society and in applying the rule of law for the benefit of all.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
156; 706 c228-9WA
Session
2008-09
Related items
Pakistan: Blasphemy Laws
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Blasphemy Legal profession Intimidation Protection Pakistan Religious freedom
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk