US accuses Pakistan over violations of religious freedom

WASHINGTON: The Trump administration accused Pakistan of severe violations of religious freedom Thursday in a further sign of deteriorating relations.
The State Department announced that it’s placing the South Asian nation on a special watch list, pursuant to 2016 legislation. The step does not carry any serious consequences, but it comes in the wake of stiff criticism from President Donald Trump this week.
On Monday, Trump reiterated US concerns that Pakistan provides safe havens for militants, saying it had played US leaders for “fools.” The administration is currently holding up $255 million in military assistance for Pakistan until it cracks down on extremists threatening Afghanistan.
The State Department did not elaborate on reasons for Pakistan’s inclusion on the watch list.
In its latest annual religious freedom report, which was published in August and covered 2016, the department highlighted the continued enforcement by courts in Muslim-majority Pakistan of blasphemy laws. Punishment ranges from life in prison to the death sentence for a range of charges, including “defiling the Prophet Muhammad.”
Pakistan’s embassy in Washington and mission at the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.