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LAHORE: The United States has asked Pakistan to repeal its blasphemy laws.
At the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) held in Geneva on Monday and proceedings of which were seen online by Dawn, US representative Jesse Bernstein stressed that an anti-trafficking law that prohibits and penalises all forms of human trafficking must be enacted and implemented as soon as possible. It recommended that Pakistan must “undertake, track and report” investigation and prosecution of security forces who commit human rights violations and abuses.
Jesse Bernstein said: “We are also concerned about the International NGOs policy restricting operations of non-violent organisations.”
Foreign Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif was heading the Pakistani delegation.
Islamabad accuses Delhi of trying to sabotage UPR platform in Geneva with propaganda
The UK, represented by Miriam Shearman, agreed with the issue of Pakistan’s lack of freedom for its religious minorities. It recommended a fully inclusive electoral roll without discrimination or religious bias, and establishment of an independent National Commission for Minorities from all faith communities, who should appoint their own representatives. The UK also said that Pakistan should set a clear timeline for the review of legislation carrying the death penalty with the aim of limiting the scope of crimes to which it applies.
India, represented by Sumit Seth, urged Pakistan to provide freedom to the people of Azad Kashmir by ending “illegal and forcible occupation”. It soon followed with a recommendation to dismantle special terrorist zones, safe havens and sanctuaries and take verifiable actions, including on “terror financing”.
It also laid stress on ending forced conversions and marriages of minorities.
Pakistan accused India of trying to “sabotage the UPR platform with propaganda”.
Other countries included Spain, Senegal, Canada, the UAE, Iraq and Iran and all of them are part of the UPR.
While the UPR recommendations are not binding, it is important to take these recommendations, being part of the exercise. Also unlike UN conventions and their implementation, Pakistan has the freedom to refuse to accept any recommendation by the working group.
Khawaja Asif made the opening and closing remarks. Pakistan will announce on Thursday which of the recommendations it is going to accept.
Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2017
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Comments (18) Closed
There is no parallel but would the West allow to repeal the anti Semitic laws? This is the height of hypocrisy.
I am sure this Khawja too did not have a clue about this law.
The US should keep its nose out of Pakistan's internal affairs.
Mind your own business. Law of land is Supreme.
Pakistan will be soon turn into another Afghanistan because of peoples hard core religious values.
Pakistan must demand repealing of laws that criminalize challenging holocaust.
We should demand the USA to treat the black and Mexican equally.
It should be repealed
You will always see that more the blaspheme laws, less will be interest in science.
Pakistan is being cornered.
Can't say I disagree.
And what laws is Pakistan asking the US to repeal?
Well done Sumit Seth!!!
USA offers & demands some bitter decision as give & take.
is this conference a worthwhile forum for Pak to attend. based on the report it sounds like a joke for fun and games.
As if we care...
@Amer sir they do treat them equally as long as they are legal.
Fair enough