[thunder_chunky]

The US on Monday named Pakistan among a list of countries where religious persecution worsened over the past year, especially with the support of their respective governments.

Others in this group included China, Russia, Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan and staunch ally Saudi Arabia, according to the US International Religious Freedom report released Monday.

“More than a billion people live under governments that systematically suppress religious freedom,” said secretary of state Hillary Clinton while releasing the report. “New technologies have given repressive governments additional tools for cracking down on religious expression.”

Pakistan’s government has been called out in the report for failing to prevent ongoing abuses under its blasphemy law and other discriminatory laws, against religious minorities.

This should sound familiar to the 24 Hindu families from Pakistan now camping in Delhi waiting for the courts to decide if they should get asylum in India or return home.

Pakistan’s blasphemy and anti-Ahmadi laws came in for special mention. “The killing of those accused of blasphemy or those publicly criticising the blasphemy laws and calling for their reform continued throughout the year,” the report said.

Being named in the report carries no consequences apart, perhaps, from endless lectures from US officials — despite the fact that the US itself is struggling with rising Islamophobia.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-...e1-906179.aspx

[eff01]

Georgia is deeply concerned with this report and the treatment of minorities around the world. We urge our Pakistani friends to take action and review their blasphemy law. Jinnah the founder of Pakistan envisaged a Pakistan where Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus and Christians would live side to side and in freedom, we urge Pakistan to implement Jinnah's vision.

[B-Man.]

Bangladesh is very concerned by this and urges Pakistan to take drastic action to prevent further mistreatment of minorities. Bangladesh calls on the Government of Pakistan to repeal Ordinance XX and offer greater protection to Shiites from militants, amongst other reforms. Bangladesh would like to remind Pakistan of what the White stripe on their flag represents.

[occ] Do the reps that the news articles are about ever respond to these? I've noticed that the Saudi and Israeli reps haven't responded to previous articles about their nations. [/ooc]

[PierceBrosnan]

The Swiss Confederation is saddened by this report. We also urge Pakistan to review their blasphemy Law. Muhammad Ali Jinnah who I may add was an Atheist. Jinnah hoped that Pakistan wouldn't become a Theocratic state, but it is soon becoming like that. We hope that Pakistan reviews it's laws and helps the minorities who are living there regardless of sexual orientation, religion or lifestyle.

[Kittythecat]

Argentina echoes Swiss Confederation's veiw.

[Wawasan]

Malaysia has known for a long time about Pakistan and right, and feels the situation is unilaterally falling beyond control. As a fellow predominantly Muslim country, we will try to unite cohesively against the mistreatment of minority races, and wants these groups to feel they have their dignity restored.

[spike_spiegel]

The citizens of Pakistan are wary about this law which was introduced by the late military dictator General Zia-ul-Haq and it does not represent the views of the majority of Pakistanis. This can be seen by the ruling parties who are secular in nature, the religious parties do not gain much votes. Pakistan is appreciative of the concerns shown by our Bumiputra and Bangla friends

[Aek-94]

The Republic of Finland completely agrees with the sentiments expressed by both Switzerland and Georgia.

[cl_steele]

Australia and Iraq are very concerned about the findings of this report and call on all the aforementioned countries, especially Pakistan, to address the issues raised immediatly.

[Kiss]

We the US are shocked at the appualing state of Pakistan's religious situation. Consistenltly Pakistan has threatened neighbouring nations, namely India, in the name of religion (Islam).