Olson was hosted by Dr Mumtaz Ahmad, Vice President of Academics, IIU; and Dr Ahmad Yousaf al-Draiweesh, President of IIU. Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, Michael Posner, also participated in the discussion. In his remarks, the Ambassador praised religious leaders for their efforts to foster mutual respect and harmony between Pakistan's diverse religious communities.
He underscored that the United States strongly believed that the freedom to practice one's religion without fear of intimidation, death, coercion or any form of reprisal, was a universal and basic human right. "Religious freedom is fundamental to human dignity, and the United States stands committed to working with Pakistan's government, religious leaders, and people to uphold religious freedom," he said. Olson said that the US remained steadfast in its commitment to religious freedom and to working in partnership with Pakistan to confront violent extremists who continue to threaten innocent Pakistani and American lives.
He expressed his deepest condolences on behalf of the US government and the American people to the Pakistanis affected by recent terrorist and sectarian attacks in Hangu, Karachi, Quetta, and Swat. "The United States stands with the people of Pakistan in condemning these senseless and inhumane acts of violence," he added.-PR