US blacklists Pakistan for violating religious freedom

The United States has designated Pakistan as one of the Countries of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 for having engaged in or tolerated "systematic, ongoing, (and) egregious violations of religious freedom".

The US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo made the announcement on December 11, where he stated that Myanmar, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, along with Pakistan have been designated under the Act.

"In far too many places across the globe, individuals continue to face harassment, arrests, or even death for simply living their lives in accordance with their beliefs. The United States will not stand by as spectators in the face of such oppression," Pompeo remarked.

"Protecting and promoting international religious freedom is a top foreign policy priority of the Trump Administration," he further stated.

The US Secretary of State remarked that safeguarding religious freedom is vital to ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity, and said: "These designations are aimed at improving the lives of individuals and the broader success of their societies. I recognise that several designated countries are working to improve their respect for religious freedom; I welcome such initiatives and look forward to continuing the dialogue."

Pompeo also mentioned that he had placed Comoros, Russia, and Uzbekistan on a Special Watch List for governments that have engaged in or tolerated "severe violations of religious freedom."

"Finally, I designated al-Nusra Front, al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula, al-Qa'ida, al-Shabab, Boko Haram, the Houthis, ISIS, ISIS-Khorasan, and the Taliban as Entities of Particular Concern," Pompeo announced.

He reaffirmed the United States' commitment to working with governments, civil society organisations, and religious leaders in advancing religious freedom around the world in his concluding remarks.