US 'rights' report praises Pakistan, raps Afghanistan

A State Department report on human rights practices around the world describes Afghanistan as a land of repression, torture, and fear, but praises neighboring Pakistan for caring for 500,000 Afghan refugees. Despite current restrictions on political activity and the press in Pakistan, there have been some improvements there, according to the report. Required by Congress under foreign-aid legislation, this report covers 154 countries and describes increasing pressure on human rights in the Soviet Union from all levels of society, and new freedom in China after the death of Mao Tse- tung three years ago.