Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed his support for External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent statement regarding the treatment of minorities in Pakistan, calling the situation “extremely disturbing.” Tharoor highlighted the absence of direct dialogue between India and Pakistan, which could otherwise address such concerns more effectively. He also emphasized that Jaishankar’s remarks were “completely factual.”
On Friday, Jaishankar had raised concerns in the Lok Sabha over the treatment of minorities in Pakistan, specifically citing recent cases of atrocities against the Hindu, Sikh, Ahmadiyya, and Christian communities. The Minister stated that India monitors these issues closely and raises them on international platforms.
Jaishankar detailed incidents in February 2025, including the abduction and forcible conversion of Hindus, police action against students celebrating Holi, and attacks on the Sikh community. He also mentioned the ongoing persecution of the Ahmadiyya community and blasphemy charges against a mentally unstable Christian individual.
India, Jaishankar said, takes these matters to the international stage, citing statements made by India’s representatives at the UN Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly, where Pakistan’s record of human rights abuses and its harboring of UN-sanctioned terrorists were condemned.
A report by Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) released on March 26, 2025, highlighted the rising victimization of religious minorities in Pakistan, including abductions, forced conversions, and blasphemy charges. HRFP President Naveed Walter emphasized the increasing challenges faced by these communities and the lack of justice or relief due to insufficient resources and the influence of political and religious figures.
Tharoor’s endorsement of Jaishankar’s statement comes at a time when these issues continue to gain attention in both domestic and international forums.
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