MEA rejects Pakistan’s remarks on minorities in India, points to Islamabad’s 'abysmal record'

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal - File Photo

India on Monday strongly pushed back against remarks made by Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi on incidents in India, asserting that Islamabad has no credibility to lecture others on minority rights given its own record.

Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed Pakistan’s comments and turned the spotlight back on its treatment of minorities. “We reject the reported remarks from a country whose abysmal record on this front speaks for itself,” Jaiswal said. “Pakistan's horrific and systemic victimisation of minorities of various faiths is a well-established fact. No amount of finger-pointing will obfuscate it.”

The MEA’s response followed remarks by Andrabi, who alleged persecution of minorities in India and described it as a matter of deep concern for Pakistan. He also urged the international community to take note of what he claimed were such incidents.

India, however, has repeatedly pointed out that Pakistan itself has a long record of targeting minorities. Islamabad is widely criticised for misusing its blasphemy laws against religious minorities and vulnerable individuals. Pakistan’s blasphemy provisions, especially Section 295-C, have drawn global criticism for being vaguely defined and carrying extremely harsh punishments.

Rights groups have consistently said that these laws are used disproportionately against minorities, including Christians, Ahmadis and Hindus, often leading to harassment, violence and long prison terms.