STAFF REPORTER
ISLAMABAD Pakistan has rejected remarks made by India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson’s as “irresponsible and completely ill-founded” and said it is reflective of New Delhi’s “perennial state of denial with regard to the rights of minorities, particularly Muslims”. “The treatment of minorities in India is a matter of serious concern not only for the Indian minorities and the neighbouring countries but also for the international community,” said a statement by the Foreign Office on Tuesday. The Indian foreign min istry had accused Islamabad of making baseless allegations against India instead of “concentrating on fighting Covid-19”. Set your own house in order first’: India advised as FO clarifies Kartarpur Sahib repaired within a day The FO further added that it was deeply disconcerting that the discriminatory and anti-Muslim policies and practices of the RSS-inspired BJP government persist even as the Covid-19 pandemic unfolds. Multiple reports from India paint a grim picture for the country’s Muslim minority, with treatment being denied in some cases and segregation on the basis of religion in hospitals. “A systematic campaign remains underway to demonize Muslims, who face further exclusion as well as increasing threat of mob violence,” said Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui. She added that these instances have been extensively documented in Indian and international media and “people of conscience worldwide are raising their voices”. The FO advised India to take effective steps to protect the fundamental rights of its minorities and to heed the calls of its own minorities and civil society, its neighbours, and the international community.
