By IANS
London : British Foreign Secretary David Miliband and his junior minister Lord Malloch-Brown have condemned the detention of political prisoners in Pakistan after a meeting here with a prominent United Nations human rights representative.
The British ministers Thursday met Hina Jilani, special representative of the UN Secretary-General on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders, to discuss the recent state of emergency in Pakistan.
Jilani’s sister, Asma Jahangir, chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and UN special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, is among hundreds of political detainees being held in Pakistan.
The British government condemned the mass detentions of politicians, lawyers and human rights activists, and called for their immediate release.
“It is vital that the government of Pakistan acts quickly to restore the constitution, particularly those articles guaranteeing fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law,” the leaders said.
A Foreign Office spokesman said the British High Commission in Islamabad has raised its concern for the welfare and safety of those in detention at the highest levels.
“Close attention is being paid to their treatment, and preparations are under way to visit or contact as many as possible,” the spokesman added.