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<p>The UK remains firmly opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances. We have
repeatedly called upon the Government of Pakistan to end capital punishment and, at
a minimum, commit publicly to renewing the previously imposed moratorium on the death
penalty. We regularly raise our concerns about freedom of expression and the misuse
of the blasphemy laws with the Government of Pakistan at a senior level. Our concerns
are reflected in the latest update to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office annual human
rights report.</p><p>The Foreign Secretary raised religious tolerance and misuse of
the blasphemy laws during his visit to Pakistan in November 2016. My predecessor,
my Hon. Friend the Member for Reading West (Mr Sharma), discussed the death penalty
and the importance we attach to freedom of expression with Kamran Michael, Pakistani
Minister for Human Rights, and Barrister Zafarullah Khan, the Prime Minister's Special
Assistant for Human Rights, during his visit to Pakistan in January 2017.</p><p>The
Government will continue to urge Pakistan to honour in practice its human rights obligations,
including those related to the death penalty and freedom of expression and religion.</p>
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