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<p>We continue to actively monitor the case of Shagufta Kausar and Shafqat Emmanuel
who remain in detention in Pakistan. We understand that their hearing has been rescheduled
to 22 June. We remain deeply concerned about reports of discrimination against the
Christian community and other religious minorities in Pakistan.</p><p>We regularly
raise at a senior level the issue of the blasphemy laws with the authorities in Pakistan.
In Pakistan and elsewhere these laws have targeted Muslims and non-Muslims. The UK
Government condemns any instance where the content or application of blasphemy legislation
encourages or justifies violence or discrimination, or causes a violation of a person's
Human Rights. The British High Commissioner to Pakistan met the Pakistan's Minister
for Human Rights on 20 January and raised issues surrounding blasphemy and the death
penalty, which the UK remains firmly opposed to in all circumstances. In February,
the Minister for South Asia, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, raised the UK's concerns about
the situation for prisoners in detention under trial in Pakistan, particularly for
blasphemy cases. Most recently, Lord Ahmad raised our concerns about Freedom of Religion
or Belief and the death penalty in Pakistan by letter with Dr Mazari on 5 June. In
addition, The British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Christian Turner CMG, met with
Dr Mazari and raised our concerns about Freedom of Religion or Belief and the death
penalty on 8 June.</p>
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