FO rejects India's remarks regarding Pakistan’s Shia community

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan has rejected India’s remarks regarding its Shia community, terming them cynical and diversionary, and an exercise in deflection masquerading as concern.

Responding to media queries about the statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said that India’s remarks were a deliberate attempt to shift focus and could not conceal what he described as India’s persistent record of discrimination and violence against minority communities.

He highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Muslims, Christians, and other marginalized groups in India, citing restrictions on religious practices, attacks on homes and livelihoods, and incidents of mob vigilantism as clear evidence of systemic intolerance.

The FO spokesperson emphasized that these patterns have been extensively documented and remain deeply troubling.

Focusing on the rising incidents of mob violence, he said the attacks on Muslims reveal a climate of unchecked brutality.

“In 2025, more than 55 Muslims were reportedly killed in mob attacks, and since January 2026, over 19 more have lost their lives in similar violence,” Andrabi said.

He also claimed that extremist groups have unlawfully attempted to demolish 11 mosques, adding that those responsible for crimes against Muslims often act without facing accountability.

Andrabi asserted that such acts frequently occur with impunity, sometimes allegedly supported indirectly by state authorities.

“Pakistan urges India to address these serious and well-documented concerns within its own borders, ensure the protection of Muslim, Christians and other communities in accordance with its constitutional and international obligations, and refrain from making unfounded and politically motivated statements about others,” the FO spokesperson said.