Pakistan slams India’s statements as deflection over minority rights record

Pakistan rejected remarks by India regarding the country’s Shia community on Saturday, calling them “cynical and diversionary” and an attempt to deflect attention from its own human rights record.

Responding to media queries, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said India’s statements were “an exercise in deflection masquerading as concern” and could not conceal what he described as a pattern of discrimination and violence against minorities in India.

He said Muslims, Christians, and other marginalized communities in India continue to face restrictions on religious practices, mob vigilantism, and targeted attacks on homes and livelihoods.

Andrabi said the situation was “deeply alarming,” citing what he described as an escalating wave of mob lynchings targeting Muslims.

He claimed that more than 55 Muslims were reportedly lynched in 2025, while over 19 have been killed by violent mobs since January 2026.

According to the spokesperson, extremist groups have also attempted to destroy several mosques, while perpetrators of crimes against Muslims often act with impunity and are rarely held accountable.

Pakistan urged India to address these concerns within its own borders and ensure the protection of all minority communities in line with constitutional and international obligations.

It also called on India to refrain from making what it termed “unfounded and politically motivated statements” about other countries.