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<p>We remain concerned about the human rights situation in Pakistan, including reports
of abuses and violence directed against women and children. We are concerned about
ongoing reports of forced marriage and forced conversion of Hindu, Christian and Sikh
women and girls. The British Government strongly condemns the forced marriage and
forced conversion of women and girls from religious minorities in Pakistan. We regularly
raise our concerns about the protection of minority communities, including religious
minorities, with the Pakistani Government at a senior level. Most recently, I raised
our concerns about Freedom of Religion or Belief with Pakistan's Minister for Human
Rights, Dr Shireen Mazari, on 5 June. The British High Commissioner to Pakistan met
Pakistan's Minister for Human Rights on 8 June and raised our concerns about Freedom
of Religion or Belief in Pakistan.</p><p>The UK raised concerns about Freedom of Religion
or Belief at Pakistan's UN Universal Periodic Review of human rights in November 2017
and pressed Pakistan to strengthen its protection of minorities. We will continue
to urge the Government of Pakistan to guarantee the rights of all people in Pakistan,
particularly the most vulnerable, including women, minorities and children, as laid
down in the Constitution of Pakistan and in accordance with international standards.</p>
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