Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of recent reports that a mob in Sheikhupura, Punjab, set fire to the home and medical clinic of a Christian man following a blasphemy allegation, and subsequent departure of Christian families from the village; and what representations they have made to the government of Pakistan regarding the protection of religious minorities.

The Government is concerned by reports of the recent attack in Sheikhupura and by violence linked to blasphemy allegations in Pakistan. The UK remains committed to defending freedom of religion or belief for all. We regularly raise the protection of religious minorities and the misuse of blasphemy laws with the Government of Pakistan. Minister Doughty visited Pakistan on 6 October, where he raised the position of religious minorities, including Christians, and the misuse of blasphemy laws with Law, Justice and Human Rights Minister Tarar. We continue to encourage strengthened protections, due process and accountability.