Pakistan rejects US State Department’s designation as country of particular concern

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has categorically rejected its designation as a Country of Particular Concern by the U.S. State Department.

In a press release today, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said we are deeply dismayed that the designation is based on biased and arbitrary assessment, detached from ground realities.

She said Pakistan is a pluralistic country, with a rich tradition of interfaith harmony.

The spokesperson said in line with its Constitution, Pakistan has undertaken wide ranging measures to promote religious freedom and protect minority rights.

She said we note with deep concern that India, the biggest and serial violator of religious freedom, has once again been excluded from the U.S. State Department’s designation list.

The spokesperson said this is despite clear recommendation by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom as well as public concerns raised by international human rights constituencies about India’s maltreatment of religious minorities.

She said Pakistan strongly believes that the contemporary challenge of religious intolerance, xenophobia and Islamophobia can be best countered through constructive engagement and collective efforts.