Pakistan has formally rejected its designation as "a Country of Particular Concern" by the U.S. State Department, expressing deep dismay and labelling the assessment as biased and detached from the actual situation on the ground. The Pakistani government asserts that the country, known for its pluralistic nature and rich tradition of interfaith harmony, has taken significant steps to promote religious freedom and protect minority rights, in accordance with its Constitution.
The response also highlights concerns regarding the exclusion of India from the U.S. State Department's designation list, despite recommendations from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and concerns raised by international human rights groups about India's treatment of religious minorities. This exclusion, Pakistan argues, raises serious questions about the credibility, transparency, and objectivity of the U.S. designation process.
Pakistan views such discriminatory and unilateral exercises as counterproductive, undermining the shared global objective of advancing religious freedom. The country advocates for addressing the contemporary challenges of religious intolerance, xenophobia, and Islamophobia through constructive engagement and collective efforts, emphasizing mutual understanding and respect.
In line with this approach, Pakistan has engaged bilaterally with the U.S. to address these concerns and convey its stance on the designation, stressing the importance of collaboration and dialogue in fostering religious tolerance and freedom worldwide.
