WASHINGTON: Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry has said that Islamabad is seeking a clarification from the United States over its recent announcement to place Pakistan on a "Special Watch List" adding steps the government has taken for the protection of human rights and rights of religious freedom must be acknowledged.
The US State Department made the announcement last week under the purview of the US Legislation on International Religious Freedom.
"We have noted the announcement by the State Department regarding placement of Pakistan on a "Special Watch List," the Ambassador said in a statement, adding that Pakistan was seeking clarifications from the US side regarding its rationale and implications.
"It is, however, important to acknowledge that Pakistan is firmly committed to promotion and protection of human rights including the right to religious freedom, under its Constitution," the Ambassador said.
The Ambassador underscored wide ranging legislative, institutional and administrative measures taken by the government of Pakistan which were geared to ensuring full coverage of guarantees afforded by the Constitution.
He said that the international community was well aware of incremental steps being taken by Pakistan that had brought about positive change on ground.
Citing an example, the Ambassador stated that in the past year alone, the Supreme Court of Pakistan came up with landmark decisions setting important precedents with regard to enforcement of the relevant constitutional provisions, in letter and spirit.
"We will continue to work with the international community with a view to ensuring that internationally agreed standards on religious freedom are observed in Pakistan and the broader region," he added.
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