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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. In Pakistan, we remain deeply concerned
by the misuse of blasphemy laws, and that religious minorities, including Christians,
are disproportionately affected. The harsh penalties for blasphemy, including the
death penalty, add to these concerns.</p><p>We regularly raise our human rights concerns
with the Government of Pakistan at a senior level. My colleague, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon,
the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, raised our concerns
about Freedom of Religion or Belief and the protection of minority religious communities
with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister in February 2019.</p><p>To ensure the United
Kingdom is providing the right levels of support to persecuted Christians overseas,
the Foreign Secretary asked the Bishop of Truro, Rt Revd. Philip Mounstephen, to carry
out an independent review. The Bishop has submitted his interim report; with the full
report due later this year.</p>
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