The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly rejected comments made by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari regarding a reported demolition notice linked to a mosque in Varanasi, stating that Pakistan has no authority to comment on India’s internal affairs.
The remarks came amid diplomatic exchanges over reports concerning an encroachment-related notice issued at a religious site near a railway station redevelopment project.
India Says Pakistan Has ‘No Locus Standi’
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India categorically dismisses the Pakistani President’s statement and made it clear that Islamabad has no standing to comment on domestic issues.
“India categorically rejects the unwarranted comments made by the President of Pakistan. He has, in any case, no locus standi to comment on matters that are internal to India,” Jaiswal said.
He added that such statements reflect a pattern of political messaging from Pakistan that has no relevance to India’s internal governance.
MEA Targets Pakistan on Human Rights Record
In a sharp counter-attack, India also pointed to Pakistan’s human rights record, particularly its treatment of minorities.
“These comments are particularly absurd given Pakistan’s own abysmal record on human rights,” the MEA spokesperson said.
He added that Pakistan has a “long history of systematically targeting and victimising minorities,” including Hindus, Christians and the Ahmadiyya community.
The ministry said international observers have repeatedly highlighted concerns over discrimination, violence, and restrictions faced by minority groups in Pakistan.
‘Deliberate Political Attack,’ Says India
The MEA further described Zardari’s remarks as politically motivated and aimed at diverting attention from Pakistan’s internal issues.
“Given this reality, the President’s remarks can only be read as a deliberate political attack, driven by Pakistan’s national policies of bigotry and hatred,” Jaiswal said.
India maintained that such statements are part of a broader attempt to internationalise internal matters that are not open to external commentary.
Background: Dispute Over Railway Redevelopment Notice
The controversy stems from reports of a notice issued by Indian Railways at a site near the entrance of a station redevelopment project in Kashi Railway Station.
The notice reportedly asked occupants of a structure linked to a religious site to vacate the premises as part of an encroachment removal drive connected to infrastructure development work.
According to reports, the action is part of ongoing redevelopment plans and legal processes related to railway land use.
Pakistan’s Reaction and India’s Response
In response to the notice, President Zardari had urged India to protect minority rights and preserve religious and cultural heritage.
India, however, dismissed the comments, reiterating that such matters fall entirely within its domestic jurisdiction.
The MEA also linked Pakistan’s statements to broader geopolitical messaging, stating that similar interventions have been rejected in the past.
Continuing Diplomatic Tensions
The exchange adds to ongoing diplomatic friction between the two countries, with India repeatedly maintaining that external parties have no role in commenting on its internal affairs.
New Delhi has consistently pushed back against what it calls “baseless allegations” from Islamabad in international forums, while also highlighting concerns over terrorism and minority rights issues in Pakistan.
Officials said India’s position remains unchanged: domestic matters, including administrative and legal actions within its territory, are not open to external interference.
