The Government responded today to representations they have received about the case of Maria Shahbaz, who was abducted in Pakistan in April 2020 and what steps they intend to take in response to the petition and letter to the Prime Minister asking that she be granted asylum in the UK.

Baroness Williams of Trafford, the Home Office, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL1590):

Question by Lord Alton of Liverpool:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have received about the case of Maria Shahbaz, who was abducted in Pakistan in April 2020; and what steps they intend to take in response to the petition and letter to the Prime Minister asking that she be granted asylum in the UK. (HL1590)

Tabled on: 30 June 2021

Answer:
Baroness Williams of Trafford:

The tragic case of Maira Shahbaz has attracted significant interest, including the petition by Christian NGO Aid to the Church in Need.

The UK Government strongly condemns the forced marriage and forced conversion of women and girls from religious minorities in Pakistan. Our concerns about such cases, as well as Freedom of Religion or Belief, women and girls’ rights and gender equality more broadly, are regularly raised with the Government of Pakistan.

However, I am not able to provide specific information with regards to Maira Shahbaz’s case as it is a longstanding Government policy not to comment on individual cases. Departing from this policy may put individuals and their family members in danger.

Date and time of answer: 14 Jul 2021 at 14:25.

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When someone is already in grave danger – as Maria Shahbaz is – and when their family has said that they want the world to know what has happened to her – it is not good enough to say that the Government cant talk about individual cases because it might put the person at risk. Maria is at risk now and she needs help now.