Pakistan rejects US designation

Pakistan Friday rejected its designation in 'Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom' by the United States, saying that the move 'reflects the double standard and political motives.' Reacting to the latest move under which the US State Department placed Pakistan on Special Watch List, the Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal said, "Pakistan rejects the US designation...the report is not based on objective criteria."
This placement on special watch list is a new categorization, he said, adding, "We would be seeking clarification from the US regarding its rationale and implications." He said the designation overlooks the significant achievements of Pakistan in the area of human rights. "Pakistan is firmly committed to the promoting and protection of human rights including the right of religious freedom, under its Constitution," he said, adding 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.
He stated that the international community is aware of the incremental steps being taken by Pakistan that have brought about positive changes on ground. In an obvious reference to the religious intolerance and increasing incidents of violence against minorities by Hindu extremists, the spokesperson stated: "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 standard and political motives behind the listing and hence lacks credibility," he asserted. He said that Pakistan will continue to work with the international community to ensure that internationally agreed standards on religious freedom are observed in Pakistan and the broader region.
In his statement, Pakistan Ambassador to the US Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry stated: "We have noted the announcement by the State Department regarding placement of Pakistan on a "Special Watch List" under the purview of the US legislation on International Religious Freedom. This is a new categorization and we are seeking clarifications from the US side regarding its rationale and implications." The international community is well aware of incremental steps being taken by Pakistan that have brought about positive change on ground, he said.
For instance, he cited that in the past year alone, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has come 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.