Pakistan

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

Published

2 years 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.

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To stop begging in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan would implement a stringent Umrah regulation.

Published

7 hours ago

Farwa

The action, according to details, is intended to stop the begging mafia from damaging Pakistan’s reputation in the holy land.

As part of its severe efforts against beggars, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has planned to require pilgrims to sign an affidavit vowing not to beg before leaving for Umrah. Those who violate this affidavit will face strict legal action.

Umrah pilgrims will not be permitted to travel alone; they must travel in groups in order to further discourage begging. This measure ensures that pilgrims are accountable for their actions and are less likely to engage in begging.

In order to discourage begging, tour companies will also have to get pilgrims to sign affidavits.

According to sources, the administration is committed to resolving this issue because begging has damaged Pakistan’s ties with Saudi Arabia.

Four travel agents were arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for sending residents to Saudi Arabia to beg during raids in different parts of Multan.

Mohammad Ejaz, Ghulam, Ghulam Yaseen, and Sadiq Hussain were among the agents that were arrested, according to an FIA official.

The representative clarified that the information from previously detained people was the basis for these arrests.

The agents were allegedly sending citizens to Saudi Arabia with the purpose of begging and then collecting a share of the money earned through begging.

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These cities’ schools will reopen tomorrow as the smog subsides.

Published

7 hours ago

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Prior to this, the Punjab government declared that schools will be closed from November 17 to November 25.

A Punjab government announcement states that schools in the Rawalpindi Division will reopen tomorrow since the area’s air pollution has reduced following a reduction in haze.

The notice stated that schools in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock, and Chakwal would reopen tomorrow.

According to reports, the level of toxic fog in Lahore and other Punjabi cities has somewhat decreased.

With an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 497, Lahore was recognised as the second most polluted city in the world.

In the past, the district government of Lahore prohibited outdoor activities in response to the growing pollution menace.

Religious meetings are exempt, but all sports, exhibits, and activities are suspended, as is dining outside of restaurants, according to a statement released by the DC Lahore.

Additionally, stores, marketplaces, and shopping centres will close by 8 PM, however pharmacies, labs, gas stations, and supermarkets will not be affected.

Only grocery and medical departments may remain open in large department stores.

During pollution, the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore has advised residents to use masks and refrain from needless outside activities.

Latest News

SHC considers objections to the plaza’s building next to Mazar-e-Quaid

Published

7 hours ago

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SHC Justice Zafar Rajput said during Monday’s hearing of a petition against the unlawful construction of a plaza next to Mazar-e-Quaid that “everything has been fair in love and Pakistan.”

“Can you believe over an advertisement in Pakistani conditions?” the justice of the Sindh High Court asked during the hearing.

In Jamshed Town, the petitioner’s attorney said that an unlawful plaza was being constructed over a plot of land. “It has violated the sacredness of Quaid’s mausoleum,” the attorney stated.

The attorney argued that advertisements for the project’s booking have already been published. “What happens when advertisements are published?” the bench asked. The lawyer stated, “Layman will consider the project as lawful after these advertisements are published.”

After calling for additional arguments regarding the petition’s maintainability, the judge postponed the hearing for three weeks.