The Bishop of Leeds received the following written answers on 20th February 2023:
The Lord Bishop of Leeds asked His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the prevalence of forced marriages and conversions of women and girls from religious minorities in Pakistan; and what representations they have made to the government of Pakistan regarding this practice.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con): Protecting women’s rights is central to the UK Government’s human rights engagement in Pakistan. I [Lord Ahmad] raised forced conversions in my meeting with Pakistan’s Minister for Human Rights, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, on 14 October 2022. I also conducted a roundtable discussion in Pakistan with human rights stakeholders on 15 October, discussing gender-based violence. In December 2022, the UK announced sanctions against Mian Abdul Haq, a Pakistani cleric who is responsible for the forced religious conversions and forced marriages of non-Muslims and minors.
The Lord Bishop of Leeds asked His Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the government of Pakistan regarding its Criminal Laws (Amendment) Act 2022, and the impact the legislation will have on religious minorities in that country.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Protecting minority communities is a key part of the UK Government’s human rights engagement in Pakistan. I [Lord Ahmad] discussed the need to safeguard the rights of religious minorities during my meeting with Pakistan’s Minister for Human Rights Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada on 30 January, and raised proposed amendments to the blasphemy laws. I also discussed the importance of promoting respect for all religions during my meeting with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on 14 December 2022.
The Church of England in Parliament 
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