Pakistan Rejects India’s Remarks on Shia Muslims Following Controversy Over Army Chief’s Comments

Pakistan Rejects India’s Remarks on Shia Muslims Following Controversy Over Army Chief’s Comments
——————————
Pakistan has rejected India’s criticism over the treatment of Shia Muslims after remarks attributed to Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, sparked controversy.

According to Indian officials and Pakistani media reports, Munir told members of Pakistan’s Shia community that “if they had concerns about sectarian issues in Pakistan, they could go to Iran.” The remarks were reportedly made during a meeting with Shia clerics and community representatives.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded by saying the remarks reflected the “systemic victimisation of minorities” in Pakistan and specifically highlighted concerns about the treatment of Shia Muslims.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry then issued a formal rebuttal. Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi described India’s statement as “cynical and diversionary” and said it was “an exercise in deflection masquerading as concern.”

Andrabi said India’s comments could not hide what he called “the steady normalisation of discrimination and violence” against minorities in India, including Muslims, Christians and other marginalised communities. He referred to restrictions on worship, mob violence and attacks on places of worship.

Pakistan’s statement specifically claimed that more than 55 Muslims were lynched in India during 2025, while more than 19 others had been killed in similar incidents since January 2026. Andrabi also said mosques and other religious sites had been targeted and that those responsible often acted with impunity.

The exchange follows criticism from several Shia clerics in Pakistan, who publicly condemned Munir’s reported remarks and said they insulted the loyalty of Pakistan’s Shia community.