New Delhi: India on Tuesday dismissed Pakistan’s recent comments on the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling them “motivated and baseless.” Responding sharply to Islamabad’s criticism of the legislation recently passed by the Indian Parliament, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) advised Pakistan to reflect on its own “dismal” record in protecting minority rights instead of commenting on India’s internal matters.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on India’s internal affairs. It would be better if they focus on the condition of minorities in their own country rather than making unwarranted remarks about others.”
Jaiswal’s response followed a statement by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson last Thursday, who accused India of passing the Waqf Amendment Bill to allegedly seize Muslim properties, displace communities, and marginalize minorities. Pakistan further claimed the Bill undermines the economic and religious rights of Muslims and reflects the rise of majoritarianism in India.
The Indian government rejected these allegations, asserting that Pakistan’s claims were not only factually incorrect but also hypocritical, given its poor track record on minority rights.
Apart from the official statement, the Waqf Amendment Bill has received considerable attention in the Pakistani media, where it is being portrayed as an attack on the rights of Indian Muslims.
India has firmly reiterated that the Bill is a domestic legislative matter aimed at streamlining governance and does not infringe on the rights of any community.
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