ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office of Pakistan strongly responded to the remarks of India regarding the treatment of the Shia community. The officials termed the remarks of India “cynical and diversionary,” adding that it was “an exercise in deflection masquerading as concern.”
The remarks came a day after the Ministry of External Affairs of India expressed concern over the remarks of the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir. According to reports, he said Shia clerics that if people responded violently to what was happening in Iran, “they should go there.”
Context behind the remarks
Munir recently held a meeting with Shia clerics in Rawalpindi to discuss the security of the nation and the need for social harmony.
Furthermore, Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for India, recently criticized the statement by Munir and called it part of Pakistan’s “systemic victimisation of minorities.”
Pakistan counters with criticism
FO Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that the Indian statements could not mask what he called a “pattern of discrimination and violence against minorities” in India. He cited reported cases of mob lynchings and attacks on places of worship, saying these were indicative of a disturbing trend.
In the statement, it was also reported that over 55 Muslims were reportedly lynched in 2025, while over 19 have been killed in a similar manner since January 2026. There were also concerns over attempts to target mosques and a lack of accountability in such cases.
However, Pakistan called on India to resolve these issues within its own country and live up to its constitutional and international obligations. Pakistan also called on India to refrain from “politically motivated” statements.
Overall, the current tension between the two countries is a reflection of a larger diplomatic strain in their relationship.
