US tells Pakistan to secure religious minorities

Condemning a series of terror attacks this week targeting Shia Muslims, a US Congress-established body on religious freedom on Friday asked the Obama administration to impress upon Islamabad to ensure protection of minorities in the country. “The murder of innocent civilians because of their religious beliefs is outrageous and tragic, and we extend our condolences to their families,” said Katrina Lantos Swett, chairman of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). “In response, the Pakistani government must take concrete and meaningful action to protect the minority Shia Muslim community,” Swett said.