- The Foreign Office cites threats faced by other historic mosques.
- FO highlights the increasing marginalization of Indian Muslims.
- The UN calls for safeguarding Islamic heritage internationally.
Pakistan has observed with deep concern the hoisting of the flag at the so-called “Ram Temple” built on the site of the historic Babri Mosque in Ayodhya, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday.
The Babri Mosque, a centuries-old place of worship, was demolished on December 6, 1992 by extremist mobs inspired by fascist ideologies.
The subsequent court proceedings in India, which acquitted those responsible and allowed the construction of a temple on the site of the demolished mosque, speak volumes about the Indian state’s discriminatory approach towards minorities.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised a saffron flag atop the “temple” during a “sacred ceremony,” marking the formal completion of its construction, Indian media reported.
In a statement, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said this reflected a broader pattern of pressure on religious minorities in India and deliberate attempts to erode Muslim cultural and religious heritage under the influence of the majority Hindutva ideology.
“Many other historic mosques now face similar threats of desecration or demolition, while Indian Muslims continue to experience increasing social, economic and political marginalization,” he said.
The spokesperson said Pakistan calls on the international community to be aware of the growing Islamophobia, hate speech and hate-motivated attacks in India.
The United Nations and relevant international organizations, he stressed, must play a constructive role in safeguarding Islamic heritage and ensuring the protection of the religious and cultural rights of all minorities.
“Pakistan urges the Government of India to fulfill its responsibilities by ensuring the safety of all religious communities, including Muslims, and protecting their places of worship in accordance with international human rights obligations.”
