- Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to protect the rights of minorities.
- Hindu-fascist groups have been seen pushing against Indian Muslims.
- Islamabad calls for interfaith harmony, peaceful coexistence.
On the occasion of the anniversary of the demolition of the centuries-old Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, Pakistan has called on the international community to help protect the Muslim religious heritage.
The statement was made by Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi while responding to a question during his weekly media briefing on Friday.
In 1992, a Hindu mob destroyed the mosque, leading to widespread riots across India, in which approximately 2,000 people lost their lives, mainly Muslims.
Hindus claim the site as the birthplace of Lord Ram and consider it sacred, with historical significance predating the construction of the Babri Mosque by Muslim Mughals in 1528.
In November, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised a saffron flag atop the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya in a ceremony marking the formal completion of the temple more than a year after its inauguration.
The site where the temple was built was the subject of a contentious dispute between Hindus and Muslims for many years.
“The Babri Masjid is etched in our collective memory,” Andrabi said, adding: “On December 6, 1992, this historic mosque in Ayodhya was destroyed in circumstances that continue to evoke deep sorrow and concern. The event remains disturbing to all who stand against intolerance and religious discrimination.”
Pakistan maintained that the preservation of religious heritage and holy sites is a shared responsibility of the international community. “It is important that any actions that undermine Muslim religious symbols or historical heritage are dealt with with transparency, accountability and a firm commitment to justice,” the FO spokesman said.
Pakistan emphasized that desecration of any place of worship constitutes a violation of the principles of religious equality and undermines the collective sense of security and mutual respect that all communities deserve.
It added that the continued sense of marginalization and emotional distress experienced by Indian Muslims in the wake of this event remains a serious concern.
“Encouraged by state patronage, Hindu fascist organizations are now clamoring for the complete ghettoization of Indian Muslims and other religious minorities.”
Andrabi said Pakistan values interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence.
“We call on the international community, including relevant UN institutions and influential global voices, to recognize the importance of protecting Muslim religious heritage and to help ensure that such painful incidents do not recur.”
Pakistan also reaffirmed its commitment to protect the rights of minorities and religious freedom within its borders in accordance with its legal obligations.
On the anniversary of the Babri Mosque demolition, FO expressed solidarity with Muslims who continue to feel the lingering grief associated with this loss. “Let this occasion serve not only as a remembrance of a painful event, but also as an affirmation of the universal values of dignity, justice and respect for sacred heritage.”
Pakistan urged the Government of India to create an environment of tolerance and inclusiveness that ensures equal civil rights and mutual respect among all religious and cultural communities.
