US consul general lauds Punjab Assembly session on minorities

LAHORE: Kristen Hawkins, the US Consul General in Lahore, has said that violence or threat of violence is never an acceptable form of expression.

She expressed these views while meeting civil society representatives and religious figures on her visit to the Salvation Army Church of Jaranwala. The church was attacked in August last year. “Convening the Punjab Assembly to focus on both achievements and challenges faced by the minority communities in Pakistan is commendable. I look forward and hope that such discussions will lead to more concrete steps in support of the rights and protection of minority communities in Pakistan,” she added.

Kirsten Hawkins said the United States was committed to protecting religious freedom and freedom of expression, and it would continue to partner with the people of Pakistan in the efforts. The US Consul General said she was deeply saddened to hear directly from the Christian residents of Jaranwala about the attacks on churches and homes last year, as well as the impact of the attacks. She also met with civil society, community and government representatives to discuss the importance of religious freedom and continued efforts to protect the safety and fundamental freedoms of diverse community members.