New Delhi:
The United States has released its first World Religious Freedom report since President Donald Trump took office. The report highlights that religious freedom is under attack in Pakistan where minorities like Hindus, Sikhs and Christians live under the fear of forced conversions to Islam.
“Religious minorities said they remained concerned that government action to address coerced conversions of religious minorities to Islam was inadequate,” the report said.
The report questioned government’s efforts to stop forced conversation of Hindus into Islam.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson while releasing the report said, “The efforts made by Pakistan governments to stop forceful conversions of minorities are not enough.”
The report stated that Hindus, Christians and Sikhs of Pakistan live in a fear of forceful conversion. It also said that there is no freedom of religion in Pakistan and more than 10 people are either waiting for capital punishment or jailed for life for blasphemy.
“Religious freedom is under attack in Pakistan, where more than two dozen are on death row or serving a life imprisonment for blasphemy,” Tillerson said in his speech as he released the 2016 International Religious Freedom report.
“It is my hope that the new prime minister (Shahid Khaqan Abbasi) and his government will promote interfaith harmony and protect the rights of religious minorities,” Tillerson said.
The report also highlighted claimed the Chinese government tortures and imprisons thousands for practising their religious beliefs.
Falun Gong members, Uighur Muslims and Tibetan Buddhists are targeted for practising their religion Tillerson said.
He also hit out at Islamic State saying the Sunni extremist group "is clearly responsible for genocide against Yezidis, Christians, and Shia Muslims in areas it controls or has controlled."