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<p>In 2018, Pakistan’s elections led to an unprecedented second successive transfer
of power from one full-term civilian government to another. Following the 2013 elections,
the Election Commission of Pakistan took steps to improve electoral processes and
enable Pakistan’s population to exercise their democratic right to vote. HMG supports
institutions in Pakistan which underpin the democratic process, including work to
strengthen the rule of law.</p><p> </p><p>The freedom to hold and express views without
censorship, intimidation or unnecessary restriction is a cornerstone of democracy.
We are also concerned by restrictions on freedom of expression, and on freedom of
religion and belief in Pakistan. We are concerned about constraints on the operating
space for civil society and international NGOs in Pakistan. We regularly raise our
concerns about rights and freedoms with the Government of Pakistan at a senior level.
When she spoke to Prime Minister Imran Khan in August 2018, Prime Minister Theresa
May noted the importance of Pakistan delivering on its commitments to strengthen institutions
responsible for upholding the rule of law, and to advance the rights of women and
minorities. In September 2018, my colleague Lord Ahmad raised the importance of safeguarding
the rights of all Pakistan’s citizens with Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Human Rights,
Dr Shireen Mazari. The British High Commission in Islamabad continues to raise our
concerns about the registration process for international NGOs with the Government
of Pakistan.</p><p> </p>
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