Written question asked by Chris Williamson (Labour) on Thursday, 29 August 2013, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 September 2013. It was answered by Jeremy Browne (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 12 September 2013 on behalf of the Home Office.

Police: Pakistan

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the UK has taken to ensure that financial support provided to the Pakistani Anti Narcotics Police does not contribute in any way to Pakistani efforts to impose capital punishment on those arrested for drug offences.

Answer: Her Majesty's Government takes human rights very seriously and strongly opposes the use of the death penalty in all circumstances, including for drugs offences. The Government published Overseas Security and Justice Assistance (OSJA) Guidance in 2011, which provides clear guidance to officials and law enforcement officers to help them identify human rights risks. Under OSJA guidance, where human rights risks are identified, the Government seeks to mitigate risks by a range of methods. For instance, we can seek assurances that UK co-operation will not lead to torture or prosecutions that result in the death penalty, and have a clear exit strategy if these assurances are not met. This ensures that any assistance we provide supports our values and is consistent with our international obligations, including on capital punishment.

Secondary information