ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office of Pakistan has dismissed the recent report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), labeling it as flawed and not reflective of the ground realities within Pakistan.
Speaking at her weekly briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch on Thursday, criticized the report for being based on unsubstantiated allegations.
Baloch emphasized that Pakistan views USCIRF’s annual country designations as unwarranted and ineffective, citing the US State Department’s disregard for its recommendations regarding India since 2020. She called for credibility in such exercises, urging them to be free from double standards and geopolitical biases while also addressing the alarming rise of Islamophobia.
The spokesperson highlighted the importance of dialogue and constructive engagement in fostering understanding and cooperation, criticizing arbitrary designations for undermining these objectives.
Regarding dialogue with India, Baloch stated that no such discussions are currently underway. However, she welcomed the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) reaffirmation of its support for the people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir during its 15th Islamic summit in the Gambia.
The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to providing moral, political, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people in their pursuit of self-determination, as outlined in UN Security Council resolutions.
Expressing concern over terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, Baloch emphasized the need for meaningful action against terrorist groups, including the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). She pointed to evidence linking the recent attack on Chinese engineers in Besham to terrorists operating from Afghanistan, urging Afghan authorities to take effective measures against such groups.
