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<p>The Government is concerned about the case of Sheeza Riasat. The Government strongly
condemns the forced marriage and forced conversion of women and girls from religious
minorities in Pakistan.</p><p>We welcome the recent decision by the Pakistan Senate
to pass the Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Bill 2019. The Bill was recently
introduced to the National Assembly.</p><p>The UK regularly raises concerns about
the protection of vulnerable groups, including religious minorities, women and children,
with the Pakistani Government. Officials at the British High Commission in Islamabad
have raised the issue of forced marriage with the National Commission for Human Rights.</p><p>During
my visit to Pakistan on 18 and 19 February, I met faith leaders to discuss issues
faced by religious minorities, including the issue of forced marriage. I also raised
our concerns about child protection, the treatment of minority communities and the
issue of forced marriage with Pakistan's Federal Minister for Human Rights, Dr Shireen
Mazari, during the same visit.</p><p>We will continue to urge the Government of Pakistan
to take the steps necessary to comply in full with its human rights obligations to
vulnerable groups, including religious minorities and women and girls, and to uphold
the rule of law.</p>
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