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<p>The UK strongly condemns the forced marriage and forced conversion of women and
girls in Pakistan. We regularly raise our concerns about Freedom of Religion or Belief,
women and girls' rights and gender equality at a senior level with the Government
of Pakistan. During his visit to Pakistan on 23 and 24 June, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon,
Minister of State for South Asia and the Minister responsible for human rights, met
Prime Minister Khan, as well as other senior government ministers including Foreign
Minister Qureshi, and Human Rights Minister Mazari. During these meetings, Lord Ahmad
highlighted the need to address persecution, promote respect for all religions and
increase tolerance for religious minorities. He met interfaith leaders to understand
the situation of minorities in Pakistan, particularly the issue of forced conversion
and marriage of young girls. In addition to our diplomatic engagement, the FCDO funds
programmes in Pakistan that directly address early and forced marriages, gender-based
violence and modern slavery.</p>
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