Washington: With restrictions imposed on Beijing officials over Hong Kong autonomy, the US has also encircled China and its friend Pakistan in matters of religious freedom. The United States has expressed serious concern over the encroachment of religious freedom into Pakistan and China. However, there are 8 other countries in this list, apart from China and Pakistan, where the violation of religious freedom has been questioned. The US State Department has placed these countries on a special watch list in violation of religious freedom. China and Pakistan figure prominently in the list of countries, Those who have failed to stop the oppression and discrimination of a particular religious groups in their country. The special thing is that India is constantly questioning the excesses and atrocities on Hindus in Pakistan. In this sense, this is a major diplomatic victory for India. This move of the US has proved India’s right that Hindus are constantly oppressed and exploited in Pakistan.
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Action on 10 countries under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has stated that 10 countries in the world have been designated as CPC under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. It includes those countries which are indifferent to religious freedom or engage themselves in its violation or infringement. An official statement from the US State Department says that it includes China, Pakistan, Burma, Iran, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Eritrea. Five Asian countries are included in this list. The Secretary of State further stated that Cuba, Nicaragua, Comoros and Russia have also been placed on a special watch list. These countries are also accused of serious violations of religious freedom.
Sudan and Uzbekistan’s name removed from the list
The US Secretary of State said that the United States strongly condemns persecution on religious grounds and their accompanying abuses worldwide. He said that America will continue its campaign against this discrimination in the world. He will continue to work tirelessly to end this oppression. Pompeo said that America’s endeavor will be to ensure equal rights to every citizen on every corner of the world. He further stated that Sudan and Uzbekistan have been removed from the Special Monitoring List on the basis of significant concrete progress made by their governments last year.
Dangerous terrorist organizations on target
Pompeo said that in addition to the 2016 Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act, some terrorist organizations have also been included. It also includes radical militant organizations such as Al-Shabaab, Al Qaeda, Boko Haram, Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, Houthis, ISIS, ISIS Greater Sahara, ISIS West Africa and the Taliban.
