US ambassador for religious freedom visits Pakistan

Islamabad: United States Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback visited Islamabad to discuss how the United States and Pakistan can work together to advance religious freedom and promote interfaith dialogue and respect both in Pakistan and internationally.

Ambassador Brownback during his two-day visit from 22 and February 23 met with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Pir Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, and Minister for Human Rights Dr. Shireen Mazari.

During these meetings, Ambassador Brownback emphasized the importance the United States places on religious freedom, the protection of religious minorities, and respect.

Ambassador Brownback discussed ways the United States could partner with Pakistan in promoting international religious freedom and inter-faith dialogue, seeking opportunities to protect persecuted Muslims, Christians, and people of other faiths in South and Central Asia and throughout the world.

Ambassador Brownback also met religious and civil society leaders, including a visit to the Eidgah Shrine in Rawalpindi where he met with Pir Muhammad Naqib-ur-Rehman, Custodian of Eidgah Sharif.

He highlighted the United States’ respect for Islam and Pakistan’s religious diversity and commitment to continue to engage with faith leaders in Pakistan and throughout the world.