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30 Nov 2007 : Column WA147
Pakistan: Constitution
Lord Ahmed asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have made representations to the Government of Pakistan regarding the suspension of the constitution there. [HL445]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Malloch-Brown): We have repeatedly urged that constitutional order be restored as soon as possible. My right honourable friend the Prime Minister spoke to Pakistan Interim Prime Minister Soomro on 20 November and to General Musharraf on 21 and 23 November. My right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary, our High Commissioner in Islamabad and I have also had conversations with members and former members of the Government of Pakistan about the state of emergency.
Pakistan: Judiciary
Lord Ahmed asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have made representations to the Government of Pakistan regarding the judiciary in Pakistan who have been under house arrest since 3 November. [HL446]
30 Nov 2007 : Column WA148
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Malloch-Brown): In our contacts with General Musharraf and other members of the Government of Pakistan we have repeatedly urged the release of all political prisoners, including members of the judiciary, as soon as possible, and will continue to do so.
Pakistan: Protests
Lord Ahmed asked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations they have made to the Government of Pakistan in relation to the beatings of journalists in Karachi who were protesting against the closure of private television channels. [HL443]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Malloch-Brown): We condemn the use of violence against peaceful demonstrations. Together with EU partners we are making representations to the authorities about the excessive use of violence by the police in suppressing peaceful protests not only in Karachi but also in other cities. Our High Commissioner in Islamabad attended a follow-up meeting with some of those in Karachi who had been detained. We continue to urge the Government of Pakistan to lift all media restrictions.
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