PROTECTION OF RELIGIOUS MINORITIES IN PAKISTAN

Early day motion 1049, tabled 9 April 2003 by Andy King (Labour). Signed by 101 members.

That this House welcomes the ongoing commitment of President Musharraf to curb Islamic extremist activities and to protect the religious minorities in Pakistan; notes however, that in many ways the plight of religious minorities in Pakistan remains acute; notes in particular the adoption of a Shari'ah Bill by the provincial cabinet of the North West Frontier Province; recognises that this Bill is likely to be passed by the provincial assembly and become law in the province; believes that the Shari'ah Bill discriminates against the political, civil, cultural and economic rights of all non-Muslim citizens in the province; notes that most of the banned militant groups in Pakistan have reconstituted themselves under new names and are operating openly; is deeply concerned by a pamphlet published by an Islamic militant group demanding that Pakistani Christians convert to Islam or face death, and directing Muslims to kill infidels wherever and whenever they can be found; notes with concern that the frequent calls for Jihad by the opposition Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal party and the alarming escalation of Islamic militancy are likely to undermine Pakistan's fragile democratisation process; urges the Pakistani Government to oppose the implementation of the Shari'ah Bill in any region of Pakistan, to prevent the distribution of hate materials, and to prosecute those responsible for inciting religious hatred and terror attacks; and calls upon the Pakistani Government to formulate a comprehensive strategy to provide adequate protection for the religious minorities and to promote interfaith harmony in Pakistan.

Signatures by party: Labour 44, Conservative 24, Liberal Democrat 19, DUP 5, Labour/Co-operative 4, UUP 3, Independent Ulster Unionist 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.