Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Minister for replying on behalf of the Tánaiste. A petition signed by 26 Oireachtas Members from various parties has been given to the Pakistani ambassador. The Pakistani Government is, therefore, aware of the views of politicians of all hues in this House and that of the Government. However, it is time for action to be taken. It is intolerable that religious discrimination and human rights abuses are accepted in Pakistan to the point where even a Government Minister who was trying to take action on this matter was assassinated. It is time to move beyond the niceties of diplomacy and demand that the Pakistani Government offer a more appropriate response. I request that the Tánaiste communicate with the four Deputies who raised this matter and provide them with a report on the further steps he proposes to take in respect of it.

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