Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will prioritise UK aid to Pakistan so that persecuted minorities such as Ahmadi Muslims receive higher priority and protection.

Protecting freedom of religion or belief for minority communities is central to the UK Government's human rights engagement in Pakistan. UK aid in Pakistan is already supporting projects promoting the rights of marginalised groups and religious minorities. Our Aawaz II programme brings together influential community and faith leaders to resolve local issues, change social behaviours and promote religious freedom. This programme work complements sustained high-level advocacy. Minister for Development Andrew Mitchell raised the treatment of Ahmadi Muslims with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on 9 January. On 14 December, I also raised this issue with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.