Minorities Affairs Minister Shahbaz Bhatti.-File photo

WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met Pakistan's minister for minority affairs in a show of support for religious freedom as tensions mount in the country, he said Friday.

Minorities Affairs Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, who has faced a wave of threats, said he spoke with Clinton on Thursday and explained his initiative to set up local committees around Pakistan to promote inter-faith harmony.

“She was very supportive of religious freedom,” Bhatti told AFP.

“She said religious freedom was one of the important areas on which US foreign policy is based and they will continue to pursue this issue in their dialogues, not only with Pakistan but around the globe,” he said.

Bhatti, a Roman Catholic given a full-fledged cabinet position under President Asif Ali Zardari, said he has been receiving death threats “day and night” and that his family was also at risk.

“I am ready to lay down my life for the principles I believe in. Terrorists and threats cannot hinder my cause to stand for justice and equality and religious freedom,” he said.

Bhatti is working on a project to form local committees that would promote inter-faith harmony and sort out disputes.

“This is the way to win the hearts and minds of the people,” he said.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

PAKISTAN has now registered 50 polio cases this year. We all saw it coming and yet there was nothing we could do to...
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...