SWEDEN: GOVERNMENT'S CONCERN OVER THE MISTREATMENT OF AHMADI MUSLIMS AND OTHER MINORITIES IN PAKISTAN TAKEN UP IN PARLIMENT

The following is the English translation of the transcript found at the Swedish Parliament's website. The statement transcribed below, as is, was made in an answer to the question (2009/10:256) which was tabled in the Swedish Parliament. Read the question at Swedish Parliament website.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Transcript
Source: Sweden Parliament website
Credit: Nasim Malik | Member of Parlimant | Sweden


Answer to written question 2009/10: 256 - December 14

Re.: Killings of and threats against [Ahmadi] Muslims in Pakistan

 By Foreign Minister Carl Bildt

Kent Harstedt has asked me what action I am ready to take during the Swedish Presidency in the European Union to act strongly against the oppression and abuse in Pakistan and demand for freedom of speech and religion in the country.

Let me start by saying that I agree with Kent Harstedt’s concern over the situation of the Ahmadiyya Muslims and other religious minorities in Pakistan. Oppression on the basis of religious beliefs is unacceptable; all citizens of a country should of course have the same political rights. Blasphemy laws are one of the problems because it can be used to oppress the Ahmadiyya Muslims and other religious minorities and restricting freedom of expression and religious freedom. In November 2008, Shahbaz Bhatti, founder of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA), was named the minister of minorities in Pakistan. Bhatti has for a long time been working to abolish the blasphemy laws and for persons belonging to different religious groups to be able to enjoy equal rights. Hopefully, this can lead to positive changes.

Sweden is acting primarily through the EU to influence the Pakistani government to strengthen protection for human rights in Pakistan, especially religious freedom and rights of persons belonging to religious minorities. To strengthen respect for human rights in Pakistan has been a priority during the Swedish presidency of the EU. The issue of religious minority rights was raised at the summit between the EU and Pakistan in June. I met with Pakistani Foreign Minister Qureshi himself shortly thereafter and then stressed the importance of all people - regardless of religious beliefs - should enjoy equal rights.

I was also careful to stress that a great responsibility lies with the Pakistani government.

The European Union also has a very clear position regarding the importance of promoting religious freedom, tolerance and interfaith dialogue in general, as the foreign ministers of European Union’s reaffirmed most recently in November. The UN and other multilateral forums have an important priority for the Swedish Presidency when it comes to promote tolerance and underline the importance of states fighting persecution of religious minorities. The Swedish Presidency has also actively worked against proposals for mandatory standards on defamation of religion on a global basis.

During this autumn, the European Union adopted a new action plan concerning Afghanistan and Pakistan. Regarding the action plan is based the agreements made at the summit between the European Union and Pakistan, which includes the European Union and Pakistan to cooperate in strengthening the rule of law, improving the situation of human rights and promote socio-economic development. The Action Plan is a starting point for dialogue with Pakistan, especially in human rights issues.

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