David Davies, Member of Parliament for Monmouth, today met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in the Houses of Parliament and quizzed him on his policies for keeping Christians safe in his home country.
The meeting, which was open to MPs from all parties, was an informal reception to encourage mutual understanding and further improve diplomatic relationships between the United Kingdom and Pakistan, and provided the opportunity for a number of important points to be raised.
Speaking from Westminster today, David said, “While we take the right to practice our faiths freely in this country, it is a sad fact that across the world people fear exposing their beliefs due to oppression and persecution. There are many countries where Christians are mistreated because of their beliefs, and this is simply unacceptable.
“Reports from Pakistan have frequently painted a less-than-rosy picture of the situation minority religions are currently living in, and I raised the issue with Mr. Aziz to ensure his awareness of this fact. He told me that much progress has been made in Pakistan to end the persecution of Christians, and that there is much still to be done.
“This is a hugely important issue, and one which needs a united international approach strong leadership if malicious and discriminatory behaviours are to be ended across the globe. It is gratifying that Mr. Aziz has acknowledged the problem and is working towards a lasting, peaceful solution.”
The reports of the number of Christians currently living in Pakistan vary from between 3 million and 10 million people, and hate crimes continue to be reported as religious extremists target innocent civilians.