FO rejects Indian remarks on Shia community as ‘cynical, diversionary’

 

Islamabad: The Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) has rejected remarks by the Indian foreign ministry spokesperson regarding Pakistan’s Shia community as “cynical and diversionary” that were intended to deflect from the neighbouring country’s own human rights record on minorities.

According to Kashmir24, the statement followed comments by India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Andhir Jaiswal, during his weekly press briefing on Friday, about the Shia community and the army chief.

In response, the FO issued a statement saying: “Pakistan rejects India’s remarks as cynical and diversionary-an exercise in deflection masquerading as concern.

“India’s comments cannot mask its own record of the steady normalisation of discrimination and violence against Muslims, Christians, and other marginalised communities — from curbs on worship to mob vigilantism and the targeting of homes and livelihoods. These patterns are well documented.”

Highlighting incidents against minorities in India, the FO said the escalating wave of mob lynchings targeting Muslims was “deeply abhorrent” and underscored a climate of unchecked brutality.

“In 2025, more than 55 Muslims were reportedly lynched in India, and since January 2026, over 19 Muslims have been killed by violent mobs. Extremist groups have unlawfully sought the destruction of 11 mosques. Perpetrators of crimes against Muslims often act with impunity, enabled by state patronage, and are seldom held to account,” he added.