- Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to protecting minority rights.
- Hindu fascist groups are seen lobbying against Indian Muslims.
- Islamabad calls for interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Marking the anniversary of the demolition of the century-old Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, Pakistan has urged the international community to help safeguard Muslim religious heritage.
The statement was made by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi while responding to a question during his weekly press briefing on Friday.
In 1992, a Hindu mob destroyed the mosque, leading to widespread riots across India in which approximately 2,000 people, mainly Muslims, lost their lives.
Hindus claim the place to be the birthplace of Lord Ram and consider it sacred, with historical significance predating the construction of the Babri Mosque by the Muslim Mughals in 1528.
In November, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised a saffron flag atop the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya in a ceremony that marked the formal completion of the temple more than a year after it was consecrated.
The site where the temple was built was the subject of a controversial dispute between Hindus and Muslims for many years.
“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 sadness and concern. The event remains disturbing for all those who oppose religious intolerance and discrimination.”
Pakistan maintained that preservation of religious heritage and sacred sites is a shared responsibility of the international community. “It is essential that all acts that undermine Muslim religious symbols or historical legacy are addressed with transparency, accountability and a strong commitment to justice,” the FO spokesperson said.
Pakistan emphasized that the 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.
He added that the continued sense of marginalization and emotional distress experienced by Indian Muslims following this event remains a serious concern.
“Emboldened by state patronage, Hindu fascist organizations now call 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 safeguarding Muslim religious heritage and help ensure that painful incidents like this are not repeated.”
Pakistan also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the religious rights and freedoms of minorities within its borders, in accordance with its legal obligations.
On the anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Mosque, the FO expressed solidarity with Muslims who continue to feel the lasting pain associated with this loss. “May this occasion serve not only as a reminder of a painful event, but also as a reaffirmation of the universal values of dignity, justice and respect for sacred heritage.”
Pakistan urged the Indian government to foster an environment of tolerance and inclusion, ensuring equal citizenship rights and mutual respect among all religious and cultural communities.
