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In response to the U.S. State Department designating Pakistan as a "Country of Particular Concern" for religious freedom, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan issued a press release categorically rejecting the designation. Pakistan expressed deep dismay, asserting that the classification is based on a biased and arbitrary assessment detached from ground realities. Pakistan emphasized its pluralistic nature and rich tradition of interfaith harmony, highlighting the country's constitutional commitment to promoting religious freedom and protecting minority rights. The press release raised concerns about India's exclusion from the designation list, despite recommendations by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and international human rights constituencies. The omission of India from the list was deemed conspicuous and raised questions about the credibility, transparency, and objectivity of the entire process. Pakistan urged that such unilateral and subjective exercises are counterproductive and undermine the shared objective of advancing religious freedom globally. The press release conveyed Pakistan's belief that addressing religious intolerance, xenophobia, and Islamophobia requires constructive engagement and collective efforts based on mutual understanding and respect. Pakistan expressed its intention to convey concerns about the designation directly to the U.S. side through diplomatic channels.