India Slams Pakistan: India launched a scathing attack on Pakistan, stating that fabricating a narrative about Islamophobia has become its old strategy. India also questioned that on one hand, Pakistan is repressing the Ahmadiyya Muslim community within its borders, while on the other hand, it is forcibly repatriating Afghan refugees and conducting airstrikes in Afghanistan during Ramadan.
On the occasion of the ‘International Day to Combat Islamophobia’ at the United Nations General Assembly, India’s Permanent Representative Parvathaneni Harish targeted Pakistan. He stated that India’s western neighbor is the biggest example of fabricating such false narratives.
He further alleged that Pakistan has repeatedly used the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as a platform to level baseless accusations against India.
What did Harish say?
Harish said it is noteworthy that what should be said about the cruel treatment Pakistan metes out to the minority Ahmadiyya community in its own country, or bombing others during Ramadan? India emphasized that more than 200 million Muslim population across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, freely elects its representatives. He stated that there is no ‘Islamophobia’ in India, but rather centuries-old peaceful coexistence among all religions and communities.
India’s Appeal to the United Nations
Harish appealed to the United Nations to seriously address the political misuse of religious identity. He stated that the UN should be wary of frameworks centered on a single religion, as this institution is above religion, culture, and politics. India described the 1981 Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief as a balanced document protecting the rights of followers of all religions and strongly condemned any form of violence and hatred in the name of religion.
India’s Frank Message
Parvathaneni Harish clarified in his statement that global platforms should not be used for a specific agenda or propaganda. He stated that presenting religious issues with a political hue is not only misleading but also affects the international atmosphere.
He emphasized that the world should be vigilant against attempts to create division in the name of religion. India believes that all countries should focus on improving their own human rights situation rather than continuously accusing others.
Condemnation of Violence in the Name of Religion
India reiterated that violence, hatred, or discrimination in the name of any religion is unacceptable. There is a need to adopt a balanced and inclusive approach on platforms like the United Nations to protect the rights of all communities.
India also clarified that its policy has always been based on ‘Sarva Dharma Sambhava’ (equal respect for all religions), where every religion and community receives equal respect and freedom.
