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<p>The Government strongly supports the work of INGOs and NGOs in Pakistan. They are
important development partners for the UK Government and reach an estimated 19 million
of the poorest people in Pakistan. We have been concerned by some of the restrictions
placed on NGOs, particularly INGOs, by the Government of Pakistan and others. We regularly
raise the importance of maintaining the space for civil society and allowing organisations
to continue their important development, humanitarian and human rights work as well
as their work to counter the drivers of violent extremism, at senior levels within
the Government of Pakistan. We continue to encourage the Government of Pakistan to
engage NGOs on policies that affect them.</p><p>A review by UN Human Rights Council
of Pakistan's implementation of the international Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights held in July this year noted its concern about the Government of Pakistan's
regulations of INGOs. The UK intends to raise freedom of expression as an issue of
concern during Pakistan's Universal Periodic Review in November.</p><p>I intend to
visit the country by the end of the year and shall address these issues.</p>
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