Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon Minister of State (Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and The UN)
Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict
King Charles Street London
SW1A 2AH
Tel: 0207 008 5000
Our ref: MC2023/02117 26 February 2023
Dear David,
Thank you for your correspondence of 31 January on behalf of (x) about Stephen Masih, who was accused of blasphemy in 2019. I am replying as the Minister of State for South Asia.
The UK government remains deeply concerned by the use of blasphemy laws to undermine human rights in Pakistan. The misuse of blasphemy laws to target religious minorities, including the case of Stephen Masih, is particularly troubling. We
We continue to raise this matter at a senior level with the Government of Pakistan. On 30 January, I raised proposed amendments to the blasphemy laws with Pakistan’s Minister for Human Rights, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, and the need to safeguard the rights of religious minorities. I also raised the misuse of blasphemy laws during my meeting with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on 14 December 2022, the importance of promoting respect for all religions.
speedy and fair trials for those accused and urge the Pakistani authorities to ensure the
press for
safety of those released.
Yours sincerely,
LORD (TARIQ) AHMAD OF WIMBLEDON
Minister of State
Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict
