US Lawmaker Calls for Pakistan to Address Terrorism and Minority Rights
A senior US lawmaker has urged Pakistan to intensify efforts against terrorism, specifically targeting the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed, and to enhance protections for religious minorities. The call came during a meeting with a Pakistani delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Washington, D.C.
Meeting Highlights
The Pakistani delegation’s visit coincided with a multi-party Indian delegation’s engagement in the US capital, which is focused on counterterrorism issues linked to the region. The Indian delegation highlighted recent events, including the Pahalgam terror attack, emphasizing India’s commitment to combating terrorism originating from Pakistan.
During the meeting, Congressman Brad Sherman emphasized the need for Pakistan to disrupt terrorist networks, specifically naming Jaish-e-Mohammed. Sherman referenced the 2002 murder of Daniel Pearl, a Wall Street Journal journalist, by Omar Saeed Sheikh, a crime connected to the group.
Protection of Religious Minorities
The US lawmaker also highlighted the importance of safeguarding religious minorities in Pakistan. Sherman stressed that communities including Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadiyya Muslims should be allowed to freely practice their faith and participate in democratic processes without fear of persecution or discrimination.
Call to Release Dr. Shakil Afridi
Sherman urged the Pakistani delegation to advocate for the release of Dr. Shakil Afridi, currently serving a 33-year prison sentence in Pakistan. Afridi is recognized for assisting US intelligence by facilitating a polio vaccination campaign to collect DNA samples aiding the identification of Osama bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad.
Dr. Afridi was arrested shortly after the 2011 US raid that led to bin Laden's death. Sherman described Afridi’s release as a significant step toward justice for victims of the September 11 attacks.
Broader Diplomatic Context
Meanwhile, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari engaged with UN officials, including Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and members of the Security Council, aiming to internationalize issues surrounding India and Kashmir. However, the overarching message from US authorities centered on focusing efforts to combat terrorism originating within Pakistan.
