Pakistan

Pakistan ‘disappointed’ over inclusion in religious violators list by US

Published

1 year ago

Farwa

FO says protection of rights guaranteed in Constitution.
Pakistan expresses “deep concern and disappointment” over India’s exclusion from list.
Spokesperson says “omission” makes list “subjective and discriminatory exercise”.

Islamabad on Thursday called Washington’s decision to designate Pakistan as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) “detached from ground realities” and expressed concern over the exclusion of India from the list.

“I would now like to express Pakistan’s deep concern and disappointment on the US State Department’s unilateral and arbitrary designation of Pakistan as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC),” said Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch during her weekly briefing.

The spokesperson highlighted that Pakistan has a “multi-religious and pluralistic society with a rich tradition of inter-faith harmony”.

She added that religious freedom and protection of the rights of minorities are guaranteed in the Constitution and enforced through a range of legislative, policy, and administrative measures.

“We have also noted with deep concern and disappointment that India, the biggest violator of religious freedom, has once again not been included in the State Department’s designation list despite a clear recommendation by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF),” deplored the spokesperson.

Baloch said that New Delhi’s “conspicuous omission raises serious questions about the credibility and transparency” of the process. She added that the “omission” also makes the list a “subjective and discriminatory exercise”.

The spokesperson reminded Washington that New Delhi’s treatment of religious minorities has been the “subject of several hearings of the US Congress and reports of UN high commissioner for human rights, the special procedure mandate holders of the UN Human Rights Council, and reputed international NGOs”.

“We have conveyed our concerns to the US government regarding this designation,” said the spokesperson.

‘Countries of concern’

Last week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the United States has designated Pakistan, China, Iran and Russia, among others, as countries of particular concern under the Religious Freedom Act over severe violations.

Blinken in a statement said those designated as countries of particular concern — which also include North Korea and Myanmar — engaged in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom.

Algeria, the Central African Republic, Comoros and Vietnam were placed on the watch list.

Several groups, including the Kremlin-aligned Wagner Group, a private paramilitary organisation that is active in Syria, Africa and Ukraine, were also designated as entities of particular concern. The Wagner group was designated over its activities in the Central African Republic, Blinken said.

“Around the world, governments and non-state actors harass, threaten, jail, and even kill individuals on account of their beliefs,” Blinken said in the statement.

“The United States will not stand by in the face of these abuses.”

He added that Washington would welcome the opportunity to meet with all governments to outline concrete steps for removal from the lists.

Latest News

There will be no rally in Islamabad on May 9, as police warn of stern action.

Published

7 hours ago

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On Tuesday, police announced the federal government had implemented Section 144 in the Capital, which prohibited anyone from holding a gathering without permission.

The Capital police have warned that individuals who attempt to hold a gathering on May 9 will face severe consequences. Those who organize a protest procession without previous permission will face legal consequences. The Capital Police Department stated that such an attempt would not be permitted.

It should be noted that the PTI has organized a ‘peaceful’ demonstration in Islamabad on May 9, and has sought a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 incident.

Meanwhile, speaking to the media on Tuesday, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, along with the party’s top leaders, including Shoaib Shaheen, stated that peaceful protest was a fundamental right of any political party. They also inquired about the location of CCTV footage from the May 9 occurrences.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called for the establishment of a judicial committee to probe the events of May 9. Barrister Gohar reiterated the party’s position on the Public Accounts Committee chairman, noting that it was an internal matter that will be settled upon notification.

In response to the DG ISPR’s recent press conference, Barrister Gohar stated, “I will read the DG ISPR’s statement and then comment.”

Shoaib Shaheen emphasized claimed acts of state terrorism, such as the kidnapping of the PTI’s founder and cases like Zille Shah. He also expressed concern about CCTV camera breakdowns in critical situations.

Latest News

Hajj 2024: Pakistan’s inaugural flight, carrying 180 pilgrims, departs tomorrow

Published

8 hours ago

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The first Hajj flight will depart from Karachi International Airport on Thursday (tomorrow) with 180 pilgrims, Ministry of Religious Affairs officials announced on Tuesday.

According to the officials, the first flight would depart at 1:45 a.m. on Thursday. According to them, up to 180 pilgrims will fly from Karachi to Medina, while a second aircraft of 150 pilgrims would depart for the holy region at 2 a.m.

In a month-long pre-Hajj flying operation, more than 68,000 prospective pilgrims under the government’s regular Hajj scheme would be ferried to Saudi Arabia on 259 flights by multiple airlines.

Most planes would arrive in Jeddah between May 24 and June 9, with the post-Hajj flight service from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan beginning on June 20.

On the first day (Thursday), 11 aircraft carrying 2,160 pilgrims would leave Pakistani airports for Medina.

Three aircraft from Islamabad would transport up to 680 pilgrims to Medina, two flights from Karachi would carry 330 pilgrims, and three flights from Lahore would transport 670 pilgrims.

The first Hajj flights from Quetta and Sukkur are scheduled for May 11 and 27, respectively.

Pre-HAJJ Arrangements

Earlier, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony had finalized plans for the incoming pilgrims. As a result, the pilgrims were vaccinated on April 30 because travelers must obtain the mandated immunization 10 days before their Hajj flights begin.

Pilgrims must carry smartphones with them so that they can use applications for assistance throughout their Hajj journey.

Business

Pakistan’s lunar mission ‘ICUBE-Q’ reaches the moon orbit.

Published

8 hours ago

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Pakistan’s lunar mission (ICUBE-Q) entered orbit around the moon on Wednesday.

Pakistan’s historic lunar mission (ICUBE-Q) launched from Hainan, China, on Friday aboard China’s Chang’E6 spacecraft.

According to the IST, the satellite ICUBE-Q was planned and developed in partnership with China’s Shanghai University SJTU and Pakistan’s national space agency SUPARCO.

The ICUBE-Q orbiter is equipped with two optical cameras to image the lunar surface. ICUBE-Q has now been integrated into the Chang’e6 mission after successfully qualifying and testing it.

Chang’e6 is the sixth lunar exploration mission launched by China.

The launch event was streamed live on the IST website and social media platforms. Chang’6, China’s Lunar Mission, will land on the Moon’s far side to collect surface samples before returning to Earth for further research.