Pakistan protects rights of minorities: Mazari

Tells US religious freedoms ambassador that Muslims facing discrimination in EU

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan stands committed to international obligations for securing the rights of minorities, Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari told the United States Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Samuel D Brownback.

A US delegation led by Sam Brownback, Ambassador At Large for International Religious Freedom called on the Federal Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen M Mazari.

Besides, Goodwill Ambassador Salman Ahmad, the delegation consisted of Ambassador Paul Jones, Charge d'Affairs of US to Pakistan, Riley Barnes, Senior Advisor, Sameer Hossain, Unit Chief, South and Central Asia, and others.



On the occasion, different issues related to human rights were discussed including the rights of women, children and minorities. The minister said: "We are committed to ensure the basic rights of our citizens in pursuance to our Constitution and International commitments without any prejudice. Our Constitution guarantees equal rights to every citizen of the country without any discernment adding that we are committed to ensure the religious freedom and basic rights of all our citizens guaranteed in our constitution without discrimination. During the meeting, the minister showed her deep concern over the issues faced by the Muslim community and Pakistani Diaspora living in some states of Europe particularly in practicing their religion and a wave of prevailing Islamic phobia resulting in deprivation of Muslims to freely practice their religion.

Dr Mazari asserted that unlike in the EU, minorities in Pakistan were allowed to practice their own laws and we have devised different laws to protect their rights.

She added that besides implementation of Hindu Marriage Act, Christian divorce law will be tabled soon in National assembly. She stated: "We are working on new Bills including Anti-Torture and Custodial Death, Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Prohibition of Corporal Punishment including the Christian Divorce Bill, these bills will also be tabled soon.”

The US ambassador for religious freedoms was in Islamabad on Friday and Saturday to discuss how the US and Pakistan can work together to advance religious freedom and promote interfaith dialogue and respect both in Pakistan and internationally.

Ambassador Brownback met with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Noorul Qadri, besides Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari.

During these meetings, Ambassador Brownback emphasised the importance the United States places on religious freedom, the protection of religious minorities, and respect.



Ambassador Brownback discussed ways the United States could partner with Pakistan in promoting international religious freedom and inter-faith dialogue, seeking opportunities to protect persecuted people of other faiths in South and Central Asia and throughout the world.

Ambassador Brownback also met religious and civil society leaders, including a visit to the Eidgah Shrine in Rawalpindi where he met with Pir Muhammad Naqibur Rehman, Custodian of Eidgah Sharif.

He highlighted the United States’ respect for Islam and Pakistan’s religious diversity and commitment to continue to engage with faith leaders in Pakistan and throughout the world.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 24^th, 2019.