ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign ministry has rejected Washington’s move of placing Islamabad on its annual list of worst offenders for nations that infringe on religious freedom.
In a statement on Wednesday, it termed the decision as “unilateral and politically motivated.”
It said “besides the clear biases reflected from these designations, there are serious questions on the credentials and impartiality of the self-proclaimed jury involved in this unwarranted exercise.”
Pakistan’s reaction came after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he added Pakistan to the US list of “countries of particular concern” regarding protection for people to worship according to their beliefs.
Pakistan had previously been on a special watch list for religious freedom.
The downgrade means Pakistan could be hit with US sanctions, although Pompeo waived those penalties in the US national interest.
Pakistan rejects downgrading by US in religious freedom
Pakistan rejects downgrading by US in religious freedom
- Pakistan had previously been on a special watch list for religious freedom
- The downgrade means Pakistan could be hit with US sanctions, although Pompeo waived those penalties in the US national interest
Jordanian king and British MPs in London discuss Middle Eastern developments
- King Abdullah is scheduled to meet UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and is due to chair a new round of the Aqaba Process initiative
- He warned that Israel’s illegal actions in the occupied West Bank undermine efforts to restore calm
LONDON: King Abdullah II of Jordan met in London on Monday with former British officials and members of Parliament to discuss the latest developments in the region.
King Abdullah warned that Israel’s illegal actions in the occupied West Bank, which aim to consolidate settlements and impose sovereignty over Palestinian land, undermine efforts to restore calm and threaten to escalate the conflict, according to the Petra news agency.
Discussions also addressed the UK’s role in supporting efforts to restore stability within the region, alongside developments in Jerusalem, Gaza, Syria, and Iran.
Crown Prince Hussein accompanies the Jordanian king, who is scheduled to meet UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and is due to chair a new round of the Aqaba Process initiative, launched in 2015, Petra added.
