I am concerned to hear about the case of Asia Bibi and reports that a court has upheld the imposition of the death penalty. We regularly raise at the highest levels the misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan both against Muslims and against religious minorities. We have consistently pressed the government of Pakistan on the issue of the death penalty and our principled opposition to it in all cases and I will ensure that we continue to do both of these things. The FCO has not received any representations on the possibility of excluding Pakistan from the Commonwealth on human rights grounds. However, we consistently strive to foster debate on the death penalty to achieve a change in attitude on this issue within the Commonwealth.

I am concerned to hear about the case of Sawan Masih and the imposition of the death penalty. We regularly raise the issue of blasphemy laws, and their misuse against both Muslims and religious minorities at the highest levels in Pakistan. During last week's adjournment debate on the blasphemy law the Minister for Europe, my right hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury (Mr Lidington) assured this House that

“we must continue to pursue this issue”

with the Pakistani authorities. We encourage interfaith dialogue and support those in Pakistan who are working for reform of blasphemy laws. We have also consistently pressed the Government of Pakistan on the issue of the death penalty and our principled opposition to it in all cases. We consistently strive to foster debate on the death penalty within the Commonwealth and hope that these issues will be discussed by Commonwealth Law Ministers at their meeting in Botswana in May.