Written question asked by Lord Patten (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead (Labour) on Monday, 1 March 2010.

Pakistan

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make representations to the Government of Pakistan about the family of the housemaid Shazia Masih being able to obtain access to legal representation.

Answer: The allegations surrounding the treatment and death of Shazia Masih are deeply disturbing. They highlight the challenges facing Pakistan in dealing with issues such as child labour, the treatment of religious minorities and access to education. Shazia Masih's case is currently sub judice in Pakistan, and so direct representations from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office are not possible. Nevertheless, we continue to raise our concerns on the issue of child labour with the Government of Pakistan. These concerns were most recently raised alongside our EU partners in the demarche of December 2009, and will form part of the forthcoming EU dialogue on Human Rights.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 2150; 717 c329WA
Session: 2009-10
Subjects: Children Death Employment Families Legal representation Pakistan Masih, Shazia
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk