Human Rights Violations Against Minorities in Pakistan: EAM Jaishankar Reports Findings and Actions
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Synopsis
On March 28, EAM S. Jaishankar highlighted India's vigilance regarding atrocities against minorities in Pakistan, citing specific incidents and affirming India's commitment to raise these issues on international platforms, including the UN.
Key Takeaways
- India is closely monitoring minority treatment in Pakistan.
- 10 reported atrocities against Hindus in February.
- Incidents of violence against Sikhs and Christians detailed.
- India raises concerns at the UN regarding human rights.
- Jaishankar critiques Pakistan's governance and human rights record.
New Delhi, March 28 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar emphasized that India is closely monitoring the human rights violations against Hindus and other minority groups in Pakistan, actively raising these concerns on global platforms.
His comments were made during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha amid the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament.
Jaishankar reiterated India's strong position on this matter, noting that concerns regarding the treatment of minorities in Pakistan have been presented at the United Nations to garner worldwide attention.
"We monitor very closely the treatment of minorities in Pakistan. For instance, I would like to inform the House that, just in February, there were 10 instances of atrocities against the Hindu community. Seven involved abduction and forced conversion, two related to abduction, and one involved police action against students celebrating Holi," he stated.
The EAM also elaborated on incidents of violence against other minority groups.
"Three incidents were reported concerning the Sikh community in Pakistan. In one instance, a Sikh family was attacked, in another, a family was threatened due to the reopening of an old Gurdwara. Additionally, there was an abduction and conversion case involving a girl from that community," he highlighted.
Addressing the violations faced by the Ahmadiyya and Christian communities in Pakistan, EAM Jaishankar remarked, "Two incidents were related to the Ahmadiyya community. In one case, a mosque was sealed, while in another, 40 graves were desecrated. There was also one case involving a Christian individual, reportedly mentally unstable, who faced blasphemy charges."
Reinforcing India's position on international platforms, the EAM recalled two recent occasions where Indian representatives vocally criticized Pakistan's human rights record.
"In February, our representative at the UN Human Rights Council remarked that Pakistan is a nation where 'human rights abuses, persecution of minorities, and systematic erosion of democratic values are state policies.' Pakistan brazenly shelters UN-sanctioned terrorists and is in no position to lecture others. Instead, it should focus on delivering proper governance and justice to its citizens," he quoted.
Jaishankar also referenced India's stance at the UN General Assembly, where India's ambassador underscored Pakistan's 'fanatical mindset' and its history of bigotry.
