At least 51 MPs of the European Union (EU) has written a trenchant letter to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan protesting emphatically prejudices faced by religious minorities in the country.
The letter slates the abuse of blasphemy law in Pakistan. Meanwhile, EU MPs have kept Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India under scrutiny for persecution of people from minority communities.
EU ambassador to Delhi, Thomas Koslowsky, has confirmed sending the letter. In the letter, EU MPs have said that unless Pakistan ensures safety for religious minorities, the EU will recommend suspending all subsidies to Pakistan, including withdrawing of trade facilities.
If this decision is implemented then Pakistan will face massive financial losses.
EU MPs have indicated that they are also keeping a close eye on the security of minority communities in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.
The letter further added that when Pakistan was established, Muhammad Ali Jinnah promised that despite being a Muslim majority country, Pakistan would allow equal rights to people from all faiths.
However, in the last seven years, the government has adopted a prejudiced policy towards minority communities.
The letter also mentioned the harassment of a Christian woman, Asia Bibi, who was given the death sentence on trumped up blasphemy charges.
One of the MP’s who signed the letter, Sophia Rebeiro, of the Portugal Socialist Democratic Party, told Bangla Tribune: “The life of minority communities in Pakistan has become so unbearable that we cannot remain silent any longer.”
A diplomatic source says: “In modern history, only two countries were born on religion – Israel and Pakistan and therefore, it’s justified to constantly monitor the condition of minorities in these countries.”
EU has shown same responsibility in ensuring the rights of Arabs in Palestine, the source added.