The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended that the US government redesignate Pakistan as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to continuous violations of religious freedom. The USCIRF’s 2026 Annual Report suggests lifting the waiver for Pakistan or not issuing a waiver, allowing targeted sanctions on Pakistani officials responsible for religious freedom violations.
Moreover, the USCIRF calls for a binding agreement with Pakistan under the IRFA to address freedom of religion or belief violations. This includes releasing individuals imprisoned for blasphemy, repealing blasphemy laws, and implementing reforms to ensure fair investigations and accountability for religiously motivated crimes.
The USCIRF emphasizes the need for the US Congress to integrate religious freedom concerns into its oversight of the US-Pakistan relationship. The report highlights ongoing challenges in Pakistan, such as strict blasphemy laws affecting religious minorities and increasing violence against minority groups.
