Written answers

Thursday, 20 January 2011

Department of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Conflicts

5:00 am

Photo of Mary UptonMary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 36: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent assassination of a person (details supplied) in Pakistan; and the political repercussions this event may have. [2867/11]

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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On 4 January, Mr. Salman Taseer, the Governor of Punjab Province, a close associate of President Asif Ali Zardari, was killed in Islamabad by a member of his security detail. The Pakistani Government has ordered an inquiry into the killing. However, it is believed that he was killed after speaking out publicly against Pakistan's blasphemy laws. The killing has been marked by three days of national mourning and flags lowered to half-mast on public buildings in Pakistan.

The public response of some religious scholars in seemingly welcoming the assassination has raised tensions with the government and highlighted the continued challenges faced by those engaged in the reform of human rights and governance in Pakistan. Governor Taseer had taken a high profile stand against Pakistan's blasphemy laws. His public declarations on religious tolerance in Pakistan were deeply resented by extremists. The following quote from the late Governor a week before his death is particularly poignant: 'My observation on minorities: A man or nation is judged by how they support those who are weaker than them and not how they lean on those who are stronger'. The late Governor had made representations on behalf of Ms. Asia Bibi, a Christian woman, who was sentenced to death under the blasphemy law. In bilateral discussions with the Pakistani Government, Irish officials expressed grave concern at Ms. Bibi's conviction and sentence and our disquiet at the nature of Pakistan's blasphemy law.

There are signs of growing political instability in Pakistan. The recent withdrawal for one week from the ruling coalition of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, the second largest political party in government, has led to increased pressure on President Zardari and the ruling Pakistan People's Party. This instability has come at a time of deep concern about the growing influence of extreme religious elements in Pakistan and the dangers faced by those who speak out against them. The EU is committed to strengthening the capacity of institutions in Pakistan to support the promotion of human rights, including religious tolerance.

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