38. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her current plans to highlight the attacks on Balochistan (details supplied) given concerns around alleged civilian casualties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61211/26]

I am aware of reports regarding ongoing unrest in the province of Balochistan, in south-west Pakistan, which has witnessed violent insurgencies and political and ethnic conflict in recent years.

The promotion and protection of universal human rights is a cornerstone of Irish foreign policy, including freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and freedom to participate in the political process. Ireland strongly and consistently advocates for the protection of civilians in areas of conflict and political instability, and for the safe and secure provision of humanitarian aid where needed.

Ireland regularly engages with Pakistan, both bilaterally and multilaterally, on political and human rights issues in the country, including through the Universal Periodic Review process at the UN Human Rights Council.

Human rights are also an important part of the EU-Pakistan dialogue. Human rights issues were discussed at the 15th EU-Pakistan Joint Commission meeting held in Brussels in December 2025 and during the eighth round of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue in June 2026. Pakistan’s implementation of international human rights conventions are a core focus of the EU’s engagement with Pakistan through the GSP+ trade programme and these issues were raised during the EU's GSP+ Monitoring Mission’s visit to Pakistan in November 2025.

Ireland, through our Embassy in Islamabad, continues to closely monitor developments in the Balochistan region and engages regularly with both the EU Delegation and like-minded partners in Pakistan regarding the most appropriate representations to make to the Pakistani authorities on these issues, including meeting directly with Pakistani officials to raise human rights concerns.