Daijiworld Media Network - Washington (SHP)

Washington, Apr 15: The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has expressed disappointment at the denial of food aid to Hindus and Christians by Pakistan amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an official statement released by the organisation, the USCIRF commissioner Anurima Bhargava has referred to the actions by Pakistan as 'reprehensible'.

“As COVID-19 continues to spread, vulnerable communities within Pakistan are fighting hunger and to keep their families safe and healthy. Food aid must not be denied because of one’s faith. We urge the Pakistani government to ensure that food aid from distributing organizations is shared equally with Hindus, Christians, and other religions minorities," Bhargava said.

One such instance of refusal of food aid to the minorities was reported from the Saylani Welfare International Trust in Karachi. As per reports, the non-government organization which is established to assist the homeless and seasonal workers has been refusing food assistance to Hindus and Christians, arguing that the aid is reserved for Muslims alone.

USCIRF commissioner Johnnie Moore highlighted that the challenges for governments in the developing world are to save people from dying of hunger while also trying to halt the spread of COVID-19. This provides an opportunity to PM Imran Khan's government to lead the way and extend help to people irrespective of religion. Otherwise, Pakistan will end up dealing with one more crisis, created by religious discrimination and inter-communal strife, Moore said,

In its 2019 Annual Report, USCIRF noted that Hindus and Christians in Pakistan 'face continued threats to their security and are subject to various forms of harassment and social exclusion.'