Pakistan 'rejects' US move to place it in Special Watch List for 'severe violations of religious freedom'
Islamabad, Jan 6 (IBNS): Protesting against the US move to place it on a “Special Watch List” for “severe violations of religious freedom", Pakistan has said it is firmly committed to the promotion and protection of human rights.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the country said: " Pakistan rejects the US designation of Pakistan in the ''Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom.'''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."
Today @StateDept announces that the Secretary of State re-designated Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan as Countries of Particular Concern on Dec. 22, 2017. The Secretary placed Pakistan on a Special Watch List.
— Department of State (@StateDept) January 4, 2018
The statement further said: "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. 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."
It said: "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."
Pakistan further said it will continue to work with the international community to ensure that internationally agreed standards on religious freedom are observed in the country and the broader region.
The US on Thursday announced it was placing Pakistan in a 'Special Watch List'.
"Today, the Department of State announces that the Secretary of State re-designated Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan as Countries of Particular Concern on December 22, 2017. The Secretary also placed Pakistan on a Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom," read a statement issued by the US State Department.
In recent developments in the relationship between US and Pakistan, US President Donald Trump gave a strong message to Pakistan when he said his nation 'foolishly' gave more than 33 billion dollars in aid for the past 15 years but the south Asian nation only provided safe heavens to terrorists.
He said Pakistan only gave 'lies and deceit' to the US in return to the aid.
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