The Conservative MP has frequently raised questions in House of Commons debates about the problems religious minorites face, particularly focusing on the case of Asia Bibi who faced the death sentence for blasphemy against Islam.
Chishti cited the Government’s response to Bibi’s case, and their seeming reluctance to grant her asylum in the UK, as one of the reasons he resigned as Vice-Chair of the Conservative party.
In his new position, Chishti will promote religious tolerance abroad and lead the implementation of the recommendations from the recent review into the Foreign Office’s support for persecuted Christians led by the Bishop of Truro.
He will also advocate for the rights of individuals in the UK who are being discriminated against for their faith or belief.
His appointment means the Government now has a dedicated person on the issue of religious freedom.
The Envoy role was previously held by FCO Minister Lord (Tariq) Ahmad who will continue to cover human rights in his Ministerial capacity as the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict and as Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the United Nations.
Before he became Prime Minister, Boris Johnson said he would implement the reccommendations of Bishop Philip Mountstephen’s report.
Mr Johnson said of the new appointment: “People across the world deserve the…
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