EU parliament voices concern over human rights situation in Pakistan

The European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights Wednesday held an exchange of views on human rights issues in Pakistan. The Chair of the Subcommittee, Barbara Lochbihler, in a statement after the meeting said: "Despite some positive developments such as the establishment of a National Human Rights Commission in 2012, some severe human rights issues (in Pakistan) remain of concern." "Thus, discrimination against women and girls is still predominant and so is the violence against women, of which the tendency is increasing. Also the rights of minorities, particularly linked to freedom of religion and the blasphemy laws in place in the country, need to be addressed," said the German MEP. " The announcement of the current government to not prolong the current moratorium on the death penalty, that expired last month, is another key issue of concern, notably as there are about 400 persons on the death row today," she noted.