India rejects Pakistan President Zardari’s remarks on minority rights, calls comments ‘absurd’
India on Saturday strongly rebuked Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari over his comments on the treatment of minorities and religious sites in India, describing the remarks as unwarranted interference in the country’s internal affairs.
Responding to the statement, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India “categorically rejects” the comments made by the Pakistani President and asserted that he has no authority to comment on matters that fall within India’s domestic jurisdiction.
“India categorically rejects the unwarranted comments made by the President of Pakistan. He has, in any case, no locus standi to comment on matters that are internal to India,” Jaiswal said.
The response came after a statement from the Pakistani President’s office claimed that Zardari had expressed concern over the alleged demolition of and threats to historic Muslim religious sites in India, including the centuries-old Masjid Ganj Shaheeda in Varanasi.
MEA highlights Pakistan’s record on minorities
The MEA said Pakistan’s remarks were particularly ironic given its own record on human rights and minority protection.
Jaiswal noted that Pakistan has long faced criticism over the treatment of religious minorities and pointed to what he described as a history of systematic discrimination and victimisation of minority communities.
“These comments are particularly absurd given Pakistan’s own abysmal record on human rights, which is a matter of global commentary. Pakistan’s long history of systematically targeting and victimizing minorities across various faiths is notorious,” he said.
India calls remarks politically motivated
The MEA further described Zardari’s comments as a politically motivated attack rather than a genuine concern for minority rights.
According to India, the remarks reflect Pakistan’s longstanding policies rooted in intolerance and prejudice.
“Given this reality, the President’s remarks can only be read as a deliberate political attack, driven by Pakistan’s national policies of bigotry and hatred,” Jaiswal added.
India dismissed the criticism outright, maintaining that matters relating to its internal affairs are not open to external commentary.
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