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<p>The UK is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all,
and promoting respect between different religious and non-religious communities around
the globe. Pakistan is one of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO)
human rights priority countries and protecting FoRB is an integral part of our engagement
on human rights in Pakistan. The United Kingdom Government strongly condemns the persecution
of all minorities, including the targeting of innocent people based on their beliefs.</p><p>We
continue to urge the Government of Pakistan at senior levels to guarantee the fundamental
rights of all its citizens, regardless of their religion or belief. Most recently
on 23 and 24 June during a visit to Pakistan, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of
State for South Asia and the Minister responsible for human rights, raised the need
to promote respect for all religions with Pakistan's Prime Minister, Imran Khan, as
well as other senior government ministers including Foreign Minister Qureshi, and
Human Rights Minister Mazari. During these meetings, Lord Ahmad highlighted the need
to address persecution, promote respect for all religions and increase tolerance for
religious minorities. He met minority communities during the visit to understand better
their concerns, including a meeting with representatives of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community,
an interfaith roundtable and discussions with influential religious leaders.</p><p>In
addition, the UK works within the United Nations, The Organization for Security and
Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Council of Europe, and the International Religious
Freedom or Belief Alliance to promote and protect FoRB around the globe. On 20 December
2020, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his personal commitment to the issue by appointing
Fiona Bruce MP as his Special Envoy for FoRB.</p>
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