USCIRF Commissioner criticizes Pakistan over religious repression

Dr. Asif Mahmood, a Commissioner for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), has criticized Pakistan for religious repression and the persecution of minority groups. Mahmood stated that his record of addressing these issues with Islamabad is “very clear” and noted that concerns are frequently raised during high-level visits by Pakistani officials to the United States.

Mahmood specifically highlighted the forced conversion of Hindu girls as a major concern, while also pointing to the ongoing challenges faced by Christians, Sikhs, and Ahmadiyya Muslims. He emphasized that the USCIRF has raised these issues on the record multiple times, calling for action regarding the treatment of these communities.