Police officers stand guard at the main entrance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan on Tuesday drew international attention to rising Islamophobia and desecration of heritage sites in India and expressed deep concern over the flag hoisting at the so-called “Ram Temple”, built on the site of the historic Babri Mosque in Ayodhya.
The Babri Mosque, a centuries-old place of worship, was demolished on December 6, 1992 by extremist mobs inspired by fascist ideologies. Subsequent trials in India, which acquitted those responsible and allowed the construction of a temple on the demolished site of the mosque, underscore what Pakistan describes as a discriminatory approach by the Indian state towards minorities.
In a statement, the foreign ministry said the latest move reflected a wider pattern of pressure on religious minorities in India and deliberate attempts to erode Muslim cultural and religious heritage under the influence of majoritarian Hindutva ideology.
“Numerous other historic mosques now face similar threats of desecration or demolition, while Indian Muslims continue to experience growing social, economic and political marginalization,” the statement said.
“Pakistan calls upon the international community to take cognizance of the rising Islamophobia, hate speech and hate-motivated attacks in India,” the foreign ministry spokesman added.
“The UN and relevant international bodies must play a constructive role in protecting Islamic heritage and ensuring the protection of the religious and cultural rights of all minorities.”
The statement concluded with a call on the Indian government to uphold its responsibility to ensure the safety of all religious communities, including Muslims, and protect their places of worship in accordance with international human rights obligations.
