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<p>We are concerned about the issue of blasphemy laws, which has affected both Muslims
and non-Muslims. It is our longstanding policy to oppose the death penalty in all
circumstances as a matter of principle. We continue to closely monitor, the case of
Shagufta Kausar and her husband Shafqat Emmanuel, whose appeal hearing is delayed
until September due to court closures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p>The
UK Government regularly raise our concerns about Freedom of Religion or Belief and
blasphemy laws at a senior level with the Government of Pakistan. Most recently, the
Minister of State for South Asia and human rights, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon,
raised concerns on Freedom of Religion or Belief and the death penalty with Dr Mazari,
Pakistan's Human Right Minister, on 15 July. Lord Ahmad also raised our concerns regarding
the blasphemy laws, including the case of Shagufta Kausar and Shafqat Emmanuel, with
Pakistan's High Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency Nafees Zakaria, on 23 June.
The Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Rehman Chishti
MP, has also spoken to the Pakistani High Commissioner to the UK about Freedom of
Religion or Belief.</p>
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