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<p>It is the British Government's longstanding policy to oppose the death penalty
in all circumstances and in all countries. We remain deeply concerned by the misuse
of the blasphemy laws and the treatment of minority religious communities, including
Christians, in Pakistan.</p><p>We regularly raise our human rights concerns with the
Government of Pakistan at a senior level. Most recently my colleague Lord Ahmad of
Wimbledon, the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, discussed
the treatment of minority communities with Pakistan's Federal Minister for Human Rights,
Dr Shireen Mazari, during his visit to Pakistan on 18 and 19 February. At the UN Universal
Periodic Review of Pakistan in November 2017, the UK pressed Pakistan to strengthen
the protection of minorities and to explain the steps being taken to tackle the abuse
of the blasphemy laws.</p><p>To ensure the United Kingdom is supporting Christians
in the best possible way, the Foreign Secretary has commissioned an independent, global
review of the support provided to Christians overseas. The Review will consider what
additional practical steps the Foreign and Commonwealth Office can take to support
persecuted Christians. It will be led by the Bishop of Truro, Rt Revd. Philip Mounstephen,
and will make an initial report around Easter.</p>
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