Death sentence for Junaid Hafeez in Pakistan

Early day motion 82, tabled 20 January 2020 by Jim Shannon (DUP). Signed by 12 members.

That this House is deeply concerned about the death sentence imposed on Mr Junaid Hafeez, a lecturer at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Pakistan; notes that his first defence lawyer was assassinated by extremists, his second lawyer was intimidated into dropping his case, and the third lawyer has received many such threats; further notes that the trial proceedings are unsafe, unsatisfactory and contrary to Pakistan's constitutional guarantees of due process and fair trial; expresses alarm that Mr Hafeez has been in solitary confinement for six years after he was attacked by other prisoners in the jail; recognises that this lengthy confinement is contrary to the provisions of Article 7 of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights to which Pakistan is a signatory; and appeals to the Supreme Court of Pakistan to expedite the case by taking Suo Moto action and to review the case on an urgent basis.

Signatures by party: DUP 7, Scottish National Party 2, Alliance 1, Conservative 1, Labour 1.