May 18, 2012 Mr. Raymond Durrani Raymond Durrani and Associates Political Strategists/Central Committee Executive Friends of Minorities in Pakistan raymond.durrani@sympatico.ca Dear Mr. Durrani: Thank you for email of November 5, 2011, and attachment, regarding freedom of religion in Pakistan. I regret the delay in replying to you. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada's foreign policy. Canada stands up for human rights and takes principled positions on important issues to promote freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The Government of Canada strongly condemns acts of religious persecution and has urged Pakistani authorities to ensure equal rights for members of minority communities. Canada takes every appropriate opportunity to remind the Government of Pakistan of its international human rights obligations and the need to ensure the safety and well-being of all its citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity. Canada has also consistently called for reform of Pakistan's blasphemy laws. At the United Nations Universal Periodic Review in May 2008, for example, Canada made recommendations that Pakistan reform its blasphemy laws, decriminalize defamation laws and review all relevant laws and measures to ensure that any restrictions imposed on freedom of expression are in conformity with the United Nations International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, to which Pakistan is a signatory. The issue of religious freedom is a matter which the Government of Canada takes seriously. In the Speech from the Throne of June 3, 2011, the Government of Canada committed to creating an Office of Religious Freedom within Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. On October 3, 2011, I held roundtable consultations on the establishment of the Office. You may read my remarks at http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/speeches-discours/2011/2011-034 .aspx?lang=eng&view=d. The Office will defend and advocate on behalf of religious minorities under threat, oppose religious hatred and intolerance, and promote core Canadian values of pluralism and tolerance. The Office is a key component of the Canadian government's efforts to advance human rights, including freedom of religion, around the world. The Government of Canada will continue to monitor the human rights situation in Pakistan and urge Pakistani authorities to respect their international human rights obligations. Thank you again for taking the time to write and express your concerns. Sincerely, John Baird, P.C., M.P. Minister of Foreign Affairs