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Pakistan: Religious Freedom

Asked by Jim ShannonDemocratic Unionist PartyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 9 October 2024UIN 5316

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to support community initiatives to (a) promote religious tolerance and (b) protect cultural and religious heritage In Pakistan.

Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer

The UK is committed to Freedom of Religion or Belief for all. In an introductory phone call with the Human Rights Minister for Pakistan on 4 September, I raised the importance of promoting religious tolerance and harmony.

Our programme work in Pakistan focuses on bringing together community leaders and minority representatives to promote tolerance and reduce violence. We also run a hate speech and disinformation programme which works to protect marginalised communities from hate speech online.

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