EU voices concern over religious freedom in Pakistan

BRUSSELS - The European Parliament (EP) has adopted a resolution expressing concern about lack of freedom suffered by religious minorities in Pakistan, EuAsiaNews reported.

The resolution Thursday called on the Pakistani government to review the practice of including religious identity of its citizens in passports and carry out a thorough review of blasphemy laws, the EP said in a statement.

Measures taken by the government since November 2008, such as establishing a quota of five percent for minorities in federal jobs sector, recognising non-Muslim public holidays and declaring National Minorities Day were welcomed by the EP.

Among the minority religious groups in Pakistan are Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Shias, Ahmadis, Buddhists, Parsis and Baha’is, the statement noted.