Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the rise in mob violence linked to blasphemy accusations in Pakistan; and what steps they are taking with international partners to encourage legal reform and improved law enforcement responses.

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.