Pakistan has expressed strong condemnation of India’s recent actions involving the profiling of mosques and their management committees in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The Pakistani Foreign Office (FO) described these measures as a “blatant intrusion into religious affairs” and a coercive attempt to intimidate the Muslim community in the region.
Concerns Over Systematic Harassment
The FO statement highlighted that the forcible collection of personal information, including photographs and sectarian affiliations of religious officials, constitutes systematic harassment. This approach is seen as designed to instill fear among worshippers and hinder their free exercise of faith.
Context of Rising Hate Speech
This statement follows a report by a US-based research group revealing a 13% increase in hate speech against minorities such as Muslims and Christians in India during 2025. Most incidents reportedly occurred in states governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, which is associated with Hindu nationalist ideology.
Institutionalised Islamophobia and Discrimination
Pakistan’s FO characterized India’s actions as part of a broader pattern of institutionalised Islamophobia driven by the Hindutva ideology of the Indian government. The selective targeting of mosques and Muslim clergy was described as exposing the discriminatory and communal nature of these policies.
Rights and Solidarity
Pakistan reaffirmed that the people of IIOJK have an inalienable right to practice their religion without fear, coercion, or discrimination. The FO reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Kashmiri people and its commitment to raising its voice against all forms of religious persecution and intolerance targeting them.
Wider Human Rights Concerns in India
International rights organizations have noted an increase in abuses against minorities in India since 2014, coinciding with Modi’s tenure. Controversial laws affecting religious freedom and citizenship, as well as the 2019 revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, have drawn criticism. Additionally, incidents of hate speech and attacks on minority religious celebrations, such as Christmas, have been reported in various parts of India.
