To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Pakistan about securing the safety of Asia Bibi, and all those associated with her and her trial, following her acquittal by the Supreme Court of Pakistan on 31 October.
Answered on
16 November 2018
As the Prime Minister has said, Asia Bibi's acquittal is very welcome news to her family and those who have campaigned in Pakistan and around the world for her release.
We regularly raise our concerns about Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) and the protection of minority religious communities, with the Pakistani Government at a senior level. The Minister for Asia and the Pacific raised discrimination against religious minorities with the Ministry of Human Rights during his visit to Pakistan in November 2017. I discussed the treatment of minority religious communities with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister, Dr Shireen Mazari, in September 2018.
We will continue to press the new Government of Pakistan to adhere to its international obligations and uphold the rule of law.
Due to the sensitivity of Asia Bibi's situation it would be inappropriate to comment in detail. The long-term safety of Asia Bibi and her family remains utmost in our considerations.