US urges Pakistan to protect religious freedom

11 Dec, 2016

The United States has expressed its serious concern over reports that Punjab counter terrorism police have raided the headquarters of minority Ahmadiyya community in Rabwah and arrest of four individuals for publishing literature. Replying to a question at news briefing here Saturday state department deputy spokesperson Mark C Toner said the US has regularly expressed its concerns about Pakistani laws that restrict peaceful religious expression, particularly by the Ahmadiyya community, in our international religious freedom report.
He said that such laws are inconsistent with Pakistan's international obligations. "We believe such laws are inconsistent with Pakistan's international obligations and we would urge the Government of Pakistan to protect religious freedom and basic rights of all members of its population, including religious minorities.

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