Pakistan

Below is Jean Lambert's statement to the Europan Parliament about Pakistan in February 2001:

I deeply regret the need for this Resolution, as we see journalists condemned to death for blasphemy for what is claimed was a mistake. This is just the latest in a series of human rights abuses in Pakistan: we are seeing growing religious intolerance, the lack of a fair trial, so-called "honour killings" of women; child imprisonment etc.

I currently hold the passport and other details for a constituent - a Pakistani citizen - who has had to travel to Pakistan for family reasons and who has had difficulty being allowed to leave even under the previous regime, and fears things will be even worse under this one.

The suspension of the Constitution and the Constitutional Court has removed a crucial safeguard for him and others like him who fear arbitrary detention.

This state of affairs appals many Pakistanis both within the country and throughout the world. People who are proud of their religious faith but who are also committed to fundamental human rights.

Jean Lambert MEP