ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has firmly rejected the recent US report on religious freedom, labeling it as lacking in transparency. This stance was articulated by Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch during a weekly media briefing on Thursday.
Baloch emphasized that the report fails to acknowledge Pakistan’s efforts to ensure religious freedom and does not contribute constructively to the promotion of human rights.
The US report recommended that the State Department designate 17 countries, including Pakistan, as Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) due to severe violations of religious freedom. The report criticized Pakistan for systemic issues such as the enforcement of blasphemy laws and the failure to protect religious minorities from forced conversions.
Baloch strongly refuted these claims, arguing that the report overlooks the significant measures taken by Pakistan to protect religious minorities and ensure their freedom. She highlighted that such reports should be more balanced and reflective of on-ground realities to genuinely contribute to human rights improvements.
In addition to addressing the US report, Baloch announced that the Pakistani government has approved Gaza’s medical students to complete their education in Pakistan. These students will soon join Pakistani medical colleges to pursue studies in fields such as cardiology and surgery. This decision underscores Pakistan’s commitment to international educational cooperation and support for humanitarian causes.
Regarding Afghanistan, Baloch noted that Asif Durrani represented Pakistan at the Afghan conference in Doha. A meeting between Afghan and Pakistani officials took place on July 1, where Durrani highlighted Pakistan’s concerns about terrorists receiving support from within Afghanistan. Both nations are actively discussing these issues to improve bilateral relations and address security concerns.
Pakistan has expressed serious reservations about the support for terrorists originating from Afghanistan. These concerns were directly addressed during the Doha meetings, indicating a critical dialogue aimed at resolving security issues and enhancing cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
Overall, Pakistan’s response to the US report and its ongoing diplomatic efforts with Afghanistan reflect a broader strategy to protect its national interests while striving for regional stability and human rights improvements.
