O'Brien: Pakistan aid is anti-Christian policy

THE leader of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland today accused the British Government of pursuing an "anti- Christian" foreign policy by increasing its overseas aid to Pakistan.

Cardinal Keith O'Brien said Government plans to double aid to the country did not require any commitment to religious freedom for Christians, and called for conditions to be attached to protect religious minorities.

Speaking at the launch of a new report into the persecution of Christians worldwide, Cardinal O'Brien said: "I urge (UK Foreign Secretary] William Hague to obtain guarantees from foreign governments before they are given aid.

"To increase aid to the Pakistan government when religious freedom is not upheld and those who speak up for religious freedom are gunned down is tantamount to an anti-Christian foreign policy."