Washington D.C, Pakistani Ambassador to the United States, Masood Khan, addressed over 100 Pakistani American Christians at Mar Thoma Church in the Greater Philadelphia Region, reaffirming the government’s dedication to protecting minority rights and outlining measures to prevent abuses of the law used in personal disputes.

According to Press Information Department, Ambassador Khan emphasized the government’s strategy to address and rectify incidents of violence against minorities, referencing a recent case where Nazir Masih was killed, an act that prompted widespread condemnation from Pakistani officials and civil society. He assured the community of a transparent investigation into Masih’s death and the ongoing efforts to ensure such tragedies are not repeated.

Ambassador Khan also underscored the integral role of Christians in Pakistan’s societal fabric, noting their invaluable contributions to national development. He advocated for enhanced inter-faith cooperation and mutual respect among different religious groups to foster a more harmonious and inclusive society.

The ambassador highlighted recent legislative efforts, including laws against forced conversions and child marriages, as part of broader initiatives to protect vulnerable groups. The response to a violent incident in Jaranwala, which saw high-level officials expressing solidarity with victims, was presented as an example of national unity against crimes targeting religious communities.

In his call for zero tolerance towards hate crimes, Khan pointed out ongoing improvements in police responses and community safety measures. His remarks concluded with a reaffirmation of support for the Pakistani-American Christian community, promising continued engagement and responsiveness to their concerns.