Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Apr 26: The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has strongly criticised Pakistan for its growing intolerance and violence against religious minorities, urging the Trump administration to impose sanctions on officials responsible for ‘serious violations of religious freedom.’

In its annual report, the commission recommended redesignating Pakistan as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” and lifting existing waivers that have shielded it from punitive action.

“Christians, Hindus, Shia and Ahmadiyya Muslims continue to suffer persecution, particularly under Pakistan’s harsh blasphemy laws,” the USCIRF stated. “Those responsible for mob violence and abuse often go unpunished.”

The panel called for a binding agreement with Islamabad to protect minorities, repeal blasphemy laws, release those jailed for their beliefs, and prosecute false accusers.

Citing a UN expert report, the USCIRF also raised alarm over forced conversions of minority women and girls, often disguised as marriages and validated by courts.

The commission urged the US to take concrete steps to ensure religious freedom and hold perpetrators in Pakistan accountable.