ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Pakistan’s state institutions are working diligently to protect the rights of minorities, with this commitment being a central part of the country’s policy, according to a statement by the Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson on Saturday.
The spokesperson’s comments came in response to recent remarks made by the Indian External Affairs Minister in the Indian Lok Sabha regarding the situation of minorities in Pakistan. The spokesperson emphasized that, unlike the situation in India, where incidents targeting minorities occur frequently with little to no accountability, Pakistan remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its minority communities.
The spokesperson criticized India’s record on minority rights, pointing to numerous incidents of violence, discrimination, and systemic violations, particularly against Muslims. The statement listed several controversial events, including the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the 2002 Gujarat massacre, the 2020 Delhi riots, and the demolition of the Babri Mosque in 1992, which have marked a dark history of abuse against religious minorities in India.
In contrast, Pakistan’s efforts to protect its minorities are consistent with national policies aimed at ensuring their safety, access to justice, and preservation of their cultural heritage. The FO spokesperson highlighted that Pakistan’s actions stand in stark contrast to the situation in India, where the government has been accused of promoting policies that discriminate against minorities.
“The Indian government must take responsibility for the systematic oppression of its minority communities, including Muslims,” the spokesperson stated. “Instead of lecturing others on minority rights, India should focus on concrete measures to protect its own minorities, including safeguarding their religious sites and upholding their fundamental rights.”
This response underscores Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to protecting its diverse religious and ethnic communities, contrasting sharply with what is seen as a troubling history of minority rights violations in India.
