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<p>We remain concerned about restrictions on freedom of religion and belief in Pakistan,
particularly the misuse of the blasphemy laws. Blasphemy laws are used against people
of all faiths, although minority communities are disproportionately affected. Our
concerns are reflected in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Annual Human Rights
Report.</p><p>We regularly make clear our concerns about freedom of religion and belief
and the protection of minority communities with the government of Pakistan. We do
so at a senior level. During my visit to Pakistan last year, I raised our concerns
about the treatment of religious minorities, including discrimination and violence
against them, with the Federal Secretary of Pakistan's Ministry of Human Rights. My
colleague, the Minister for Human Rights, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, raised the issues
of freedom of religion and belief and the protection of minority religious communities
with Pakistan's Interior Minister, Ahsan Iqbal, in February 2018.</p>
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