Pakistan rejects India’s ‘cynical’ remarks on Shia community, terms it ‘diversionary, politically-motivated’

• FO spokesperson describes as ‘exercise in deflection masquerading as concern,’ highlighting Indian ‘human rights record’

• Says India’s comments can’t ‘mask its own record of systemic discrimination’ and “violence against Muslims, Christians and other marginalized communities

• Cites 55 lynchings of Muslims in India in 2025, 19 more since Jan 2026, with extremist attacks on 11 mosques in India go largely unpunished

  ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday rejected remarks by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressing “concern” over the treatment of Pakistan’s Shia community, describing the statements as “cynical and diversionary”—an “exercise in deflection masquerading as concern,” the Foreign Office (FO) said.

In a statement, FO Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said India’s comments cannot “mask its own record of systemic discrimination” and “violence against Muslims, Christians, and other marginalized communities,” citing curbs on “worship, mob vigilantism,” and attacks on homes and livelihoods.

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Statement by the Spokesperson in Response to the Statement Made by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs

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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) March 28, 2026

“These patterns are well-documented,” he added.

The statement came a day after the Indian Ministry of External Affairs commented on remarks it attributed to Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces General Asim Munir. During an interaction with Shia clerics in Rawalpindi earlier this month, CDF Field Marshal Munir allegedly told participants that agitators responding violently to events in Iran should go to Iran.

Later in a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) rebutted the misinformation, clarifying that the “purpose of the meeting was to discuss national security and the role of ulema in promoting societal harmony.” The ISPR emphasized that General Munir stressed religious sentiments must not be exploited to incite violence in Pakistan.

On Friday, Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, citing Indian news agency ANI, claimed that these remarks reflected Pakistan’s “systemic victimization of minorities.”

Responding, the FO highlighted the ongoing violence against Muslims in India, saying: “The escalating wave of mob lynchings targeting Muslims is deeply abhorrent and underscores a climate of unchecked brutality. In 2025, more than 55 Muslims were reportedly lynched in India, and since January 2026, over 19 Muslims have been killed by violent mobs.”

The FO further noted: “Extremist groups have unlawfully sought the destruction of 11 mosques. Perpetrators of crimes against Muslims often act with impunity, enabled by state patronage, and are seldom held accountable.”

“Pakistan urges India to address these serious and well-documented concerns within its own borders, ensure the protection of Muslims, Christians, and other communities in accordance with its constitutional and international obligations, and refrain from making unfounded, politically motivated statements about others,” the FO concluded.

Earlier this week, following Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s expletive-laden remarks over Islamabad’s mediation in indirect Iran-US peace talks, the FO had described the language as “undiplomatic” and reflective of frustration. Jaishankar had used a derogatory South Asian term implying ‘brothel keeper,’ dismissing concerns about Pakistan’s emerging role as a mediator in the Middle East crisis.

Responding to those remarks, FO spokesperson Andrabi said the language “betrays a deeper sense of frustration” and underscores India’s sensitivity to Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role.