Statement from the NDP on violence in Pakistan

NDP Foreign Affairs Critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre) made the following statement today on this weekend's attack on a temple and community center in Pakistan:

The New Democratic Party condemns this weekend's attack on a temple and community centre in the Larkana district of southern Pakistan.

Peaceful religious expression is a fundamental freedom. Violence and extremism are always unacceptable, and those responsible must be prosecuted.

I urge the Government of Canada to work with the Pakistani authorities to ensure respect for human rights, including improved protections for religious minorities.