India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly condemned remarks made by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari concerning alleged threats to Muslim religious sites in India, describing the comments as "absurd" and asserting that Zardari has "no locus standi to comment on matters that are internal to India."
MEA Official Response
Responding to media queries on June 21, 2026, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal issued a statement categorically rejecting Zardari's comments. "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 stated.
The MEA further highlighted the irony of Zardari's remarks given Pakistan's own human rights record. "These comments are particularly absurd given Pakistan's own abysmal record on human rights, which is a matter of global commentary. Pakistan's long history of systematically targeting and victimizing minorities across various faiths is notorious," the spokesperson added.
Allegations of Political Motives
The ministry alleged that Zardari's comments reflect a deliberate political attack. "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," the statement said.
Pakistan President's Statement
The MEA's response came after President Zardari issued a statement on X expressing concern over alleged demolitions and threats to historic Muslim religious sites in India, specifically mentioning the 1,000-year-old Masjid Ganj Shaheeda in Varanasi. He urged Indian authorities to stop such actions, warning they risk leading to "disintegration and perennial chaos of India." He also called for the protection of minority rights and shared cultural heritage.
India's Consistent Stance
India has consistently maintained that domestic matters fall within its sovereign jurisdiction and has repeatedly rejected comments from Pakistan on such subjects. The MEA's strong rebuttal underscores India's firm position against foreign interference in its internal affairs.
