KARACHI: US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome has reiterated Washington’s support for advancing religious freedoms and civil rights of those living in Pakistan.

“The United States stands with Pakistan in its pursuit to safeguard the rights of all citizens,” he said during a meeting with officials of the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) here.

During his two-day visit to Karachi that concluded on Wednesday, the envoy called on Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, held meetings with business leaders and spent time with children with disabilities and paid a visit to the Clifton urban forest, where he plant a sapling.

While the US consulate general in Karachi shared a brief statement regarding the ambassador’s visit to SHRC, the commission stated in a press release that the envoy came to their Karachi office along with acting Consul General Amy Hood, Political Officer Elijah Jatovsky, Principal Officer to the Ambassador Amanda Salazar and Political Specialist Sanam Noor.

SHRC chief briefs US envoy on critical human rights issues in Sindh

SHRC chairman Iqbal Ahmed presented a comprehensive briefing to the envoy and highlighted critical human rights issues in Sindh with key topics included the rights of religious minorities, the transgender community, child marriages, child rights and gender-based violence, the press release said, adding that the ambassador engaged in an insightful discussion, posing questions about how the commission addresses various human rights violations.

In response, Mr Ahmed explained SHRC’s multi-pronged approach, which includes providing legal assistance, counselling and referring cases to relevant government departments when necessary.

On the occasion, SHRC minority member Sukhdev Hemnani shared his experiences handling cases involving religious minorities, offering a deeper understanding of the commission’s work at the grassroots level.

Earlier, Special Assistant to the Sindh Chief Minister on Human Rights Rajvir Singh Sodha welcomed the delegates. He underscored the provincial government’s initiatives to empower individuals from religious minority groups, including their representation in political positions.

“The visit highlighted SHRC’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights in Sindh while fostering international collaboration for advancing shared goals,” the press release concluded.

Reinforces trade, investment partnership

Ambassador Blome reaffirmed the US commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in business, trade, jobs and education, said a statement issued by the US consulate in Karachi on Wednesday.

It said Ambassador Blome emphasised shared goals of economic growth, opportunity and respect for human dignity.

At a dinner with business leaders, he said: “The United States is committed to supporting Pakistan’s economic development. Our mutual prosperity depends on free, open, competitive markets where trade and investment can thrive.”

Ambassador Blome also visited the Clifton Urban Forest and the US-Pakistan Friendship Garden, where he planted a neem and a moringa tree.

At the Network of Organisations Working for People with Disabilities Pakistan (NOWPDP), a US-sup­ported programme, he said, “Educ­ation transforms lives, and we are proud to support educational and professional programs that promote freedom, dignity, and equality for all.”

In his separate meetings with CM Shah and Governor Tessori, the ambassador discussed enhanced trade, economic relations and US investment in the province.

Published in Dawn, December 19th, 2024