Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson says that Islamabad has categorically rejected Washington’s move. “We are deeply dismayed that the designation is based on biased and arbitrary assessment, detached from ground realities,” she said.
Zahra Baloch argued that Pakistan is a pluralistic country and follows its rich tradition of interfaith harmony. "In line with the Constitution, Pakistan has undertaken wide-ranging measures to promote religious freedom and protect minority rights.”
While objecting the US designation, the Pakistani official pointed out US double standards, saying Washington remains silent on rampant violation of freedom in India.
“We note with deep concern that India, the biggest and serial violator of religious freedom, has once again been excluded from the US State Department’s designation list,” Zahra Baloch noted, adding that even the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) as well as international human rights organizations have repeated highlighted India's maltreatment of religious minorities.
“This conspicuous omission raises serious questions about the credibility, transparency and objectivity of the entire process,” the Pakistani official hit out at the US. “Such discriminatory, unilateral and subjective exercises are counterproductive and undermine Pakistan’s shared objective to advance religious freedom globally”, she added.
The US State Department is known for its derogatory lists that usually target those countries that Washington thinks unfriendly and not heeding to its call to be part of its plots.
4399
Your Comment