India Monitoring Rising Attacks on Minorities in Pakistan, Bangladesh: Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar briefed Parliament today on the increasing incidents of attacks on minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh, citing multiple cases of brutalities in both countries.

Jaishankar revealed that in February alone, Pakistan witnessed at least ten major attacks on Hindus, with seven involving abductions, forced disappearances, and conversions to Islam. Two cases were kidnappings, while one incident involved police brutality against students for celebrating Holi. Sikhs were also targeted in three separate cases, including forced conversions, threats over reopening a Gurdwara, and the abduction of a Sikh girl who was allegedly tortured into converting.

Jaishankar also highlighted that even members of Pakistan’s Ahmediya community, whom extremists refuse to recognize as Muslims, and a Christian individual suffering from mental illness, were charged with blasphemy. “These are just a few examples from February alone,” he stressed.

Turning to Bangladesh, the minister informed Parliament that India has been monitoring attacks on minorities there as well. “In 2024, there were 2,400 incidents against minorities, and in 2025, we have already recorded 72 incidents,” he stated, adding that both he and the Foreign Secretary had raised concerns with their Bangladeshi counterparts.

The minister also pointed out the widespread human rights violations in Balochistan, where thousands face abductions, torture, and extrajudicial killings at the hands of Pakistani authorities.

When questioned on India’s potential action against Pakistan, Jaishankar responded, “New Delhi’s position is well known.” He noted that despite past interventions, including former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s role in the creation of Bangladesh in 1971, Pakistan’s “fanatical and bigoted mindset” remains unchanged.

Jaishankar concluded by affirming that India continues to raise these issues at the international level, citing strong statements by India’s representatives at the UN Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly.