ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has rejected the US designation of Pakistan in the“Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom.” The reportis not based on objective criteria, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in apress release.

Foreign Office Spokesperson said that this placement on special watch listis a new categorization and we would be seeking clarification from the USregarding its rationale and implications.

The designation overlooks the significant achievements of Pakistan in thearea of human rights. Pakistan is firmly committed to the promotion andprotection of human rights including the right of religious freedom, underits Constitution.

Wide ranging legislative, institutional and administrative measures havebeen taken by the Government of Pakistan to ensure full implementation ofguarantees afforded by the Constitution.

The international community is aware of the incremental steps being takenby Pakistan that have brought about positive changes on ground. It issurprising that countries that have a well known record of systematicpersecution of religious minorities have not been included in the list.

This reflects the double standards and political motives behind the listingand hence lacks credibility.Pakistan will continue to work with the international community to ensurethat internationally agreed standards on religious freedom are observed inPakistan and the broader region.