J K News Today
Jammu, January 5
Pakistan has rejected US designating it as a severe violator of religious freedom and has decided to seek clarification from Washington amout such a categorization .
A spokesman of the foreign office in Islamabad stated in a release on Friday evening : “ Pakistan rejects the US designation of Pakistan in the ”Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom.”
He said that the “ report is not based on objective criteria.”
“This placement on special watch list is a new categorization and we would be seeking clarification from the US regarding its rationale and implications.
The designation overlooks the significant achievements of Pakistan in the area of human rights. Pakistan is firmly committed to the promotion and protection of human rights including the right of religious freedom, under its Constitution. “
The spokesman went on to buttress the Pakistani claim of upholding the religious freedom by claiming further that , “ wide ranging legislative, institutional and administrative measures have been taken by the Government of Pakistan to ensure full implementation of guarantees afforded by the Constitution. The international community is aware of the incremental steps being taken by Pakistan that have brought about positive changes on ground.”
“ It is surprising that countries that have a well known record of systematic persecution of religious minorities have not been included in the list. This reflects the double standards and political motives behind the listing and hence lacks credibility,” the spokesman said in his mischievous interpretation about other countries.
“Pakistan will continue to work with the international community to ensure that internationally agreed standards on religious freedom are observed in Pakistan and the broader region,” Pakistan gave a sort of undertaking to ease tensions with the U S that has cut its security aid running into thousands of US dollars.
