pak seeks clarification from US on placing it on Special watch list: Aizaz

ISLAMABAD, Jan 05 (APP):We are seeking clarifications from the US regarding its rationale and implications for
placement of Pakistan on a ‘Special Watch List ‘ under US legislation on International Religious
Freedom, Pakistan Ambassador to US, Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said on Friday.
According to a message from Pakistan embassy, Washington DC, Ambassador Aizaz said, “We
have noted the announcement by the State Department regarding placement of Pakistan on a “Special Watch List” which is a new categorization.”
It is, however, important to acknowledge that Pakistan is firmly committed to promotion and
protection of human rights including the right to religious freedom, under its Constitution. Wide ranging legislative, institutional and administrative measures have been taken by the Government of Pakistan geared to ensuring full coverage of guarantees afforded by the Constitution.
The international community is well aware of incremental steps being taken by Pakistan that have brought about positive change on ground. For instance, in the past year alone, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has come up with landmark decisions setting important precedents with regard to enforcement
of the relevant constitutional provisions, in letter and spirit. We will continue to work with the
international community with a view to ensuring that internationally agreed standards on religious
freedom are observed in Pakistan and the broader region.