Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)

I welcome the opportunity to add my party's support to this initiative from Deputy Tuffy and Mr. David Turner of the Church in Chains organisation. A series of reprehensible events has led to this initiative today. Unfortunately and sadly, many countries lack genuine religious freedom which is a fundamental human right. Huge challenges exist in Pakistan for its Government to grapple with, but it has not met these challenges to date. They include the murder of one of its own Ministers, who was leading a campaign to reform the blasphemy laws and who was trying to address the injustices within that country. The purpose of raising this Topical Issue matter is to show solidarity and unity. I am certain that all political parties and Independent Members in this House will unite to send a message to the Pakistani Government that it must address this issue. We are partners with Pakistan in the global community. While it has an embassy in and relationships with this country which we value immensely, this issue must be addressed. I hope the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade will meet the Pakistani ambassador on foot of this topical matter and will engage with the Pakistani Government to convey the concerns of his House to it and to ask it to address these issues.

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