I share constituents concerns about the situation in Pakistan and know that my ministerial colleagues at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) do too. Indeed, Pakistan is one of 31 human rights priority countries for the UK.
That said, the change in Government in-country is a domestic matter for Pakistan. HM Government respects Pakistan's democratic system and does not interfere in its internal political affairs. I have been assured by my ministerial colleagues, however, that the UK will continue to work with the Government of Pakistan to advance our shared priorities and interests, including the promotion of regional stability. The UK is also clear that the right to peaceful protest should be protected. More broadly, the UK regularly raises concerns about reports of human rights abuses and violations in Pakistan, including in the province of Balochistan, at a senior level with the Pakistani Government. Lord Ahmad did so most recently on 30 January 2023, when he met with Pakistan's Minister for Human Rights, and 14 December 2022, when he met with Pakistan's Foreign Minister. Where there are allegations of human rights violations, the UK expects these to be fully investigated in line with due process.
I appreciate constituents concern for religious minorities in Pakistan, particularly the Ahmaddiya Muslim community, and like constituents, I am concerned by the general limitations on freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in-country. I can assure you that the UK Government strongly condemns the persecution of all minorities.
In line with this, defending FoRB in Pakistan, including for Ahmadi Muslims, is an integral part of the FCDO's engagement on human rights. This involves raising individual cases, such as when the British High Commissioner in Islamabad, recently raised the targeted killings of Ahmadi Muslims with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister, highlighting discriminatory legislation (such as blasphemy laws) and funding targeted programme work.
The UK also regularly raises concerns regarding the protection of minorities at a senior level with the Government of Pakistan. In addition, the Coalition for Religious Equality and Inclusive Development, a UK Government-funded multi-country programme, has implemented a project in Pakistan to protect minorities who work as sewage and sanitation workers. I am confident that the Ministers will continue to urge the Government of Pakistan to guarantee the rights of all its citizens, regardless of their religion or belief.
Lord Ahmad has publicly condemned the targeted killings of Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan. I share in his condemnation and would like to assure you that my thoughts are with the victims' families.
I know HMG is deeply concerned at the misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan. UK officials continue to press for speedy and fair trials for those accused of blasphemy, including cases such as Qaiser and Amoon Ayub, and urge the authorities to ensure the safety of those charged with blasphemy. The British High Commissioner in Islamabad raised the misuse of the blasphemy laws in his meeting in June with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada.
I hope this has reassured you that Ministers in London, and officials based in the UK High Commission in Islamabad and at the UN, will continue to monitor the situation in Pakistan and urge the Government of Pakistan to guarantee the rights of all, as laid down in their Constitution and in accordance with international standards.