Written question asked by Lord Blencathra (Conservative) on Thursday, 27 January 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 February 2000. It was answered by Lord Hain (Labour) on Thursday, 3 February 2000 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on persecution of Christians in Pakistan in each of the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Maclean: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on persecution of Christians in Pakistan in each of the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [107948] Mr. Hain: We have received a number of reports about the position of Christians in Pakistan and have raised our concerns with the Pakistani authorities. Our High Commission in Islamabad maintains a regular dialogue with Christian and human rights groups and the Pakistani authorities on this issue. Since the coup on 12 October 1999, General Musharraf has promised Pakistan's minorities that their rights would be respected and that they would be treated as equal citizens. We shall continue to monitor the situation closely and raise our concerns.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 343 c738W; 107948
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Equality Pakistan Religion Religious freedom Oppression Christianity