Written question asked by Andy King (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 April 2003. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Monday, 28 April 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Government of Pakistan in relation to (a) retaining the joint electoral system and (b) strengthening and empowering minority representation in the National Parliament.

Answer: Andy King: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Pakistan in relation to (a) retaining the joint electoral system and (b) strengthening and empowering minority representation in the National Parliament. [109065] Mr. Mike O'Brien: We welcomed President Musharraf s decision to restore the joint electoral system for the 2002 elections. It is a step towards integrating Christian and other religious minorities into mainstream Pakistani society. We are actively funding projects to support National Assembly members in their parliamentary work to protect Human Rights in Pakistan.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 109065; 404 c129W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Ethnic groups Electoral systems Politics and government Minority groups Pakistan Religion
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk