EU Parliamentarians Threaten Pakistan Over Religious Persecution
“I have just sent a letter, signed by 52 MEPs, to the Prime Minister of #Pakistan urging him to take measures to dismantle the constitutional and institutional structures that have resulted in the persecution of religious minorities in the country,” wrote EU parliamentarian Marijana Petir on 30 April. The letter, posted below, goes far beyond a gentle urging, though, threatening to suspend all subsidies and trade preferences to Pakistan. Pakistan’s economy is particularly vulnerable at this time, and such policies could have a devastating effect on the country.
The letter calls specific attention to Pakistan’s treatment of Ahmadi Muslims, draconian “blasphemy” laws, and a growing number of cases of forced conversion. Pakistan has been making an effort to demonstrate a new resolve against militant groups operating in the country, but this letter goes further, calling for “Pakistan to take measures to dismantle the constitutional and institutional structures that have resulted in the persecution of religious minorities in the country.”
