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<p>As the Prime Minister has said, Asia Bibi's acquittal is very welcome news to
her family and those who have campaigned in Pakistan and around the world for her
release.</p><p>We regularly raise our concerns about Freedom of Religion or Belief
(FoRB) and the protection of minority religious communities, with the Pakistani Government
at a senior level. The Minister for Asia and the Pacific raised discrimination against
religious minorities with the Ministry of Human Rights during his visit to Pakistan
in November 2017. I discussed the treatment of minority religious communities with
Pakistan's Human Rights Minister, Dr Shireen Mazari, in September 2018.</p><p>We will
continue to press the new Government of Pakistan to adhere to its international obligations
and uphold the rule of law.</p><p>Due to the sensitivity of Asia Bibi's situation
it would be inappropriate to comment in detail. The long-term safety of Asia Bibi
and her family remains utmost in our considerations.</p>
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