ISLAMABAD: During a weekly news briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch criticized India’s implementation of the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), denouncing it as discriminatory and aimed at marginalizing minorities.
Baloch highlighted the discriminatory nature of the CAA, asserting that it differentiates among people based on faith and falsely portrays India as a safe haven for persecuted minorities. She condemned the rising wave of Hindutva under the BJP government, which has led to the victimization of Muslims and other minorities in India, exposing a sinister agenda to transform the country into a Hindu Rashtra.
Urging Indian authorities to halt targeted marginalization of minorities, Baloch referenced recent calls by UN special rapporteurs for corrective actions to protect human rights and minorities in India. She particularly emphasized the plight of Muslims in India due to the escalating Hindutva ideology.
The spokesperson also condemned India’s decision to outlaw the Kashmir National Front in illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, citing it as part of India’s efforts to suppress dissent and freedom of expression in the region. She called for the lifting of curbs on banned Kashmiri political parties, the release of political prisoners, and the implementation of UNSC resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.
Baloch informed the media about a recent meeting of the programming committee of SAARC, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the objectives of the organization as a founding member. Pakistan, she noted, has consistently played an active role in SAARC processes and activities.
Expressing concern over ongoing atrocities against Palestinians by Israel, the spokesperson urged the UN Security Council to fulfill its responsibilities in ending the suffering of the Palestinian people.
