SHARIAH LAW IN THE CONSTITUTION OF PAKISTAN (No. 2)

Early day motion 231, tabled 21 January 1999 by Andy King (Labour). Signed by 44 members.

That this House welcomes the government of Pakistan's decision not to table the 15th Constitutional Amendment Bill which sought to enforce the Holy Quran and Sunnah as supreme in written constitutional law; further notes with concern that a new bill could be tabled at any time which could further legitimise the discrimination against and persecution of the minorities in Pakistan; also notes the positive statement made against this bill by the European Parliament on 17th December 1998 in resolution PE274945; and urges Her Majesty's Government to maintain pressure on the international community to encourage the government of Pakistan to reintroduce a joint electoral system, repeal the blasphemy laws and thus put an end to religious apartheid.

Signatures by party: Labour 25, Liberal Democrat 11, Conservative 4, UUP 3, Labour/Co-operative 1.