Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 June 2023
40. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the recent acts of severe repression carried out by the army and state institutions in Pakistan against opposition politicians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28775/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the issues that have arisen in Pakistan in recent weeks following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and other members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, and subsequent protests, demonstrations and arrests. I am concerned in relation to reports of plans to try civilians in military courts.
My Department regularly engages with Pakistan, both bilaterally and multilaterally, on political and human rights issues in the country. Senior officials from the Department held bilateral and political consultations with the Pakistani Foreign Ministry in Islamabad on 18 May, during which the current domestic political situation and human rights issues were discussed in detail.
The promotion and protection of universal human rights is a cornerstone of Irish foreign policy, including the freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, freedom to participate in the political process. Human rights is an important part of the EU-Pakistan dialogue and human rights concerns will be raised by during the upcoming meeting of the EU-Pakistan Sub-Group on Democracy, Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights, and EU-Pakistan Joint Commission on 22 and 23 June 2023, respectively.
The Embassy of Ireland in Türkiye, which is accredited to Pakistan, continues to closely monitor the situation, in close consultation with the European Union Delegation in Islamabad and EU partners on the ground.
