US urges new Pakistan govt to treat minorities with equality
Several US lawmakers have urged Pakistan's new government to treat its religious minorities with equality and dignity. Addressing "The Minorities Day on the Hill" organized by South Asia Minorities Alliance Foundation and Voice of Karachi in Washington on Wednesday, the lawmakers urged the Imran Khan-led government to stop human rights violation of minorities in Karachi as well as other parts of Pakistan. Here's more.
US Congressman talks about plights of India-Pakistan partition affected Muslims
In his speech, US Congressman Thomas Garrett Jr appealed to all countries in the world to treat their minorities with respect and dignity they deserve and grant them equal rights. He said that Mohajirs (Muslims who migrated to Pakistan from India during the partition in 1947) had left their homes hoping for a better life but they were not welcomed in their new homeland.
We expect allies to treat their minorities with equality: Garrett
"I clearly understand the plight of Mohajirs who are the product of post-independence ethnic cleansing. They have a story that needs to be told," Garrett said. "I am not advocating on behalf of any group to demand a radical change in policy except that we expect our allies to treat their minorities with equality and dignity they so much deserve," Garrett said.
In US, we see all ethnic minorities equally: Congressman Perry
Congressman Scott Perry said, "We, in the US, see and treat all ethnic and religious minorities equally and we demand that our allies do the same. We can all live together and practice our faith in peace and harmony."
Virginia Congressman highlights geographical importance of Karachi
Virginia Congressman, Rob Wittman, highlighted the geo-strategic importance of Karachi, particularly in the wake of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, China's One Belt, One Road initiative and Karachi port's importance in providing logistical supplies to Afghanistan. He assured minorities in the region his full support and promised that he would continue to work in this direction as a member of the influential Armed Services Committee.
Everyone has the right to practice their religion: Congressman Harris
Congressman Andy Harris said, "Practicing one's religion is a basic human right, and as humans, we should share this right. It doesn't matter which part of the world we live in, we have the right to exist peacefully and enjoy our basic human rights."
