Written question asked by Alex Easton (Independent (affiliation)) on Monday, 13 October 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 October 2025. It was answered by Hamish Falconer (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 October 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Pakistan: Religious Freedom

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Pakistani counterpart on reports of (a) degrading treatment of and (b) discrimination against (i) Christian and (ii) Hindu prisoners in that country; and what diplomatic steps she taking to help ensure the protection of religious minority prisoners in that country.

Answer

The UK Government is concerned by reports of degrading treatment and discrimination against Christian and Hindu prisoners in Pakistan. Promoting the rights of religious minorities is a core part of our diplomatic engagement and we continue to advocate for their rights with senior Pakistani officials, including in meetings between myself and Pakistan's Human Rights and Interior Ministers earlier this year.

Our High Commission in Islamabad also engages regularly with civil society and human rights defenders to monitor prison conditions and advocate for reforms. We will continue to urge the Government of Pakistan to uphold its international obligations and ensure the safety and dignity of all prisoners, regardless of faith.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 81646
Session: 2024-26
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Subjects: Prisoners Pakistan Religious freedom
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Pakistan: Religious Freedom

Secondary information

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