Introducing a House of Lords debate in Parliament this evening (16th July), the Rt. Revd Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, Bishop of Rochester, is expected to call on the leaders of Pakistan to stop selling the country out.

He will describe the history of democracy in Pakistan as one of abuse, and say that cynical and corrupt politicians have used the mechanisms of democracy for their own ends at the expense of ordinary people.

Speaking of Pakistan's present administration under its President, Pervez Musharraf, Bishop Michael will note that whilst it has enjoyed successes in fiscal and monetary policy, and has made some advances in the fields of health and education, many problems remain.

Chief among these is the position of women in society, with domestic violence, the rape of disadvantaged women, and so-called 'honour killings' remaining entrenched in national life. Of great concern, too, are the country's blasphemy laws, used to victimise not only members of minority communities but even Muslims.

The Pakistan Government's plan for the restoration of democracy needs adequately to represent such groups as women and religious minorities, and elections should be on the basis of one person, one vote.

In summary, Bishop Michael calls on the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Brisbane to note that progress has been made, and to set out an agenda encouraging Pakistan to restore a democracy recognised as authentic by all.