Sherry writes to US lower house over Balochistan bill

Congressman Dana Rohrabacher last month moved the resolution which called for recognition of the right to self-determination of people of Balochistan.The embassy sources said the letter noted that such “statements and resolutions in contravention of UN charter and international norms could undermine Pakistan-US relations.”Pakistan has already lodged a formal protest with the US over the resolution and had summoned the US envoy over the issue.The State department had clarified that the resolution was moved by an individual and the administration has nothing to do with it.Rohrabacher, who is also the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, had earlier chaired a Congressional hearing on human rights violations in Balochistan.The Republican Congressman also introduced bills calling for Dr Shakil Afridi, the doctor who helped the CIA in confirming Bin Laden’s identity, to be given US citizenship and be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.Meanwhile, Executive Vice President of US Womens Democracy Network, Judy Van Rest has applauded Ambassador Sherry Rehamns profound contribution to a series of legislation ensuring preservation and promotion of womens rights, while serving in various positions as journalist, civil society activist, minister in the federal government and member of the ParliamentAmbassador Sherry Rehman has broken many barriers. She has amassed a remarkable list of accomplishments. She has been recognized internationally for her work in human rights. In 2011, Newsweek Pakistan featured her on its cover as Pakistans Most Important Woman. Foreign Policy magazine called her one of 2011s top global thinkers, Judy Rest read, while presenting a profile of the Pakistani ambassador.Cindy McCain, humanitarian, business owner, and wife of Chairman of the International Republican Institute (IRI) Senator John McCain, also appreciated the key role Sherry Rehman has been playing for the cause of womens rights.Other leaders of American organizations praised her commitment and tremendous contribution to empowerment of women in her South Asian country.Speaking at the function as special guest for her outstanding work on human rights, at the annual Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Award ceremony, hosted by Womens Democracy Network of International Republican Institute here, Ambassador Sherry Rehman said Pakistan is making great strides towards giving women their rightful status at grassroots level and in mainstream national life.The top Pakistani diplomat in Washington, who was honoured with the prestigious award last year, also gave away the 2012 award to Tunisian journalist and rights activist Sihem Bensedrine for her brave struggle for her people.Reform is important in any democracy. Pakistan has made great strides in building an enviable architecture of laws over the last three years, for protection and promotion of womens rights, said the ambassador.She particularly listed measures like empowerment of the National Commission on the Status of Women and enactment of the law against sexual harassment at workplaces. Sherry Rehman noted that these landmark steps have already started making a difference in the lives of women in public sector organizations, while the private sector is also following the code of conduct.