Creation of U.S. Special Envoy on Religious Freedom Raises Hopes of Pakistani Christians

By By Patrick Goodenough, CNSNews.com

Christian activists in Pakistan have welcomed a congressional initiative to establish a special envoy to promote religious freedom in the Middle East and South Asia, voicing hope that the move may lead to more U.S. pressure on Pakistan to end the persecution of non-Muslim minorities.

At the forefront of their concerns is the question of blasphemy laws under which Christians and other minorities have been disproportionately targeted for prosecution, harassment and, in some cases, mob violence and death. . . .

Asif Aqeel, director of the Center for Law and Justice-Pakistan – an affiliate of European Center for Law and Justice and the American Center for Law and Justice – also welcomed news of the special envoy plans, saying he hoped the person appointed to the post would be empowered to achieve the stated goals. . . .

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