ISLAMABAD: On the 31st anniversary of the demolition of the historic Babri Mosque, Pakistan has called on the Indian government to prioritize the safety, security, and protection of minorities, particularly Muslims and their places of worship.
The Foreign Office issued a statement expressing concern over the unfortunate incident where a mob of Hindu zealots destroyed the centuries-old mosque in Ayodhya, with Indian law enforcement authorities as witnesses.
Lamenting the acquittal of criminals responsible for the act and the subsequent construction of a temple on the mosque’s site, the statement criticized India’s superior judiciary for these decisions. It highlighted that the temple, expected to be inaugurated in January 2024, fuels the anti-Muslim sentiment that led to the Babri Mosque’s destruction.
The Foreign Office underscored the ongoing hostility against Muslims in India, citing recent instances where political figures openly endorsed the Babri Mosque’s demolition as a model to reclaim parts of Pakistan. It pointed out that Hindu supremacist groups are now targeting other mosques for conversion into temples.
The statement urged the international community to take note of the rising Islamophobia, hate speech, and hate crimes in India. It emphasized the need for collective awareness and action to address the challenges faced by minorities and protect religious freedoms in the region.
