To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what his assessment he has made of the adequacy of the international community's response to (a) attacks on and (b) threats against (i) Shia Muslims, (ii) Christians, (iii) Ahmadis, (iv) Hindus, (v) Sikhs and (vi) other religious minorities in Pakistan.
Answered on
5 November 2024
The UK strongly condemns all instances of hate or violence directed towards minority religious communities in Pakistan, including Shia Muslims, Ahmadis, Christians, Hindus and Sikhs. We work alongside the wider international community, including foreign governments and civil society organisations, to promote human rights in partnership with Pakistan. I underlined the importance of promoting religious tolerance and harmony when I met with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister, Azam Tarar, on 4 September. Alongside our diplomatic engagement, we continue to support projects promoting the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan, including facilitating interfaith dialogue and protecting marginalised communities from online hate speech.