US religious-freedom watchlist: Pakistan included as 'country of particular concern'
The US has included Pakistan on a special watch-list of countries which commit "severe violations" of religious freedom. The list also includes countries such as Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, China and North Korea, which Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has labelled "countries of particular concern." This comes as Washington is already cross with Pakistan over Islamabad's inaction against terrorism. Here's more about it.
US suspended over $1bn in security aid to Pakistan
Further, taking a strict stand against Pakistan's support for terrorism, the US has suspended more than $1.15bn in security assistance to the South Asian nation. Pakistan will get the funds if it shows visible anti-terror measures, the US asserted. This came right after it placed Islamabad on a "Special Watch List" for failing to safeguard religious minorities.
The US watch list on religious freedom
The list consists of nations that the Secretary of State identifies as "countries of particular concern" for having "engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom." The list is prepared in accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act, 1998.
What is the purpose behind the designation?
Pakistan has reportedly allowed for "systemic, egregious" violations of religious freedom since 2002, sparking global concern. The US Department of State spokesperson, Heather Nauert said that "around the globe, people continue to be persecuted, unjustly prosecuted, or imprisoned for exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief." "The designations are aimed at improving respect for religious freedom in these countries," she added.
US's stance on Pakistan becoming increasingly hostile
In August'17, Trump described plans for a tougher approach towards Pakistan while unveiling his updated Afghanistan policy. In recent times, both US Ambassador to UN Nikki Haley and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson have upped their criticism of Pakistan. Among US's main issues of contention is the release of UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed, who asked all Islamic states to launch 'jihad' against US.
