India Slams Pakistan President's 'Absurd' Remarks on Religious Sites
India has strongly condemned Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari's 'absurd' and 'unwarranted' comments regarding alleged threats to Muslim religious sites, specifically the Ganj Shaheeda Mosque in Varanasi. The Ministry of External Affairs asserted Pakistan has no locus standi on India's internal matters, highlighting Islamabad's own dire human rights record.
Key Highlights
- Pakistan President Zardari raised concerns over Varanasi mosque demolition notice.
- India's MEA rejected comments as 'absurd' and 'unwarranted interference'.
- MEA stated Pakistan has 'no locus standi' on India's internal affairs.
- India highlighted Pakistan's 'abysmal human rights record' on minorities.
- The dispute centers on Varanasi's Ganj Shaheeda Mosque and railway land.
- Comments deemed a 'deliberate political attack' driven by bigotry.
The Indian government has vehemently rejected remarks made by Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari concerning alleged threats to historic Muslim religious sites in India, particularly the Ganj Shaheeda Mosque in Varanasi. In a strong diplomatic rebuke, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) characterized Zardari's comments as 'absurd,' 'unwarranted,' and a 'deliberate political attack' fueled by bigotry and hatred.
The controversy began after the Northern Railway administration issued a notice on June 13, 2026, to the Ganj Shaheeda Mosque, situated near the Kashi Railway Station in Varanasi. The notice stated that the mosque was an 'illegal encroachment' on railway-owned land and requested its vacation by June 20, 2026, as part of a significant ₹304-crore redevelopment project for the Kashi Railway Station. Mosque authorities, however, argue the structure predates the railway and plan to legally challenge the removal notice.
Responding to these developments, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, on Saturday, June 20, 2026, publicly expressed 'deep concern over the demolitions and threats to historic Muslim religious sites in India.' He specifically cited the '1,000-year-old Masjid Ganj Shaheeda in Varanasi,' urging India to 'immediately stop such actions.' Zardari warned that such steps could be 'detrimental to social harmony and stability' and risked 'leading to the disintegration and perennial chaos of India.' He further called for the protection of minority rights and shared cultural heritage in India.
India's Ministry of External Affairs, through its official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, swiftly and unequivocally dismissed Zardari's remarks. Jaiswal stated that India 'categorically rejects the unwarranted comments made by the President of Pakistan,' emphasizing that Pakistan has 'no locus standi'—meaning no legal standing or right—'to comment on matters that are internal to India.'
The MEA spokesperson further highlighted the stark hypocrisy in Pakistan's statements, pointing to its own 'abysmal record on human rights.' Jaiswal remarked that Zardari's comments were 'particularly absurd given Pakistan's own abysmal record on human rights, which is a matter of global commentary.' He underscored Pakistan's 'long history of systematically targeting and victimising minorities across various faiths,' calling this fact 'notorious' and 'well-established.'
India's official response characterized Zardari's remarks as nothing more than a 'deliberate political attack, driven by Pakistan's national policies of bigotry and hatred.' The MEA reiterated that Islamabad cannot deflect attention from its own 'horrific and systemic victimisation of minorities' by attempting to point fingers at New Delhi. This incident is not isolated, as India has previously rejected similar criticisms from Pakistan regarding minority rights and internal legislative matters, such as comments on the Waqf Amendment Act in April 2025 and allegations of mistreatment of religious minorities in December 2025.
The diplomatic exchange underscores the persistent tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly concerning issues of minority rights and sovereignty over internal affairs. India views Pakistan's statements as an attempt to interfere in its domestic governance and communal harmony, while Pakistan frames its comments as a concern for the rights of Muslim minorities. The dispute over the Ganj Shaheeda Mosque in Varanasi thus became a flashpoint in the ongoing contentious bilateral relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specifically did Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari comment on?
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep concern over alleged demolitions and threats to historic Muslim religious sites in India, explicitly mentioning the 1,000-year-old Masjid Ganj Shaheeda in Varanasi.
Why did President Zardari make these comments?
His comments followed a notice issued by the Northern Railway administration to the Ganj Shaheeda Mosque in Varanasi, stating it was an 'illegal encroachment' on railway land slated for demolition as part of a station redevelopment project.
What was India's official response to Pakistan's remarks?
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) 'categorically rejected' the comments, calling them 'absurd,' 'unwarranted,' and a 'deliberate political attack.' MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Pakistan has 'no locus standi' on India's internal matters.
What is India's counter-argument to Pakistan's concerns about minority rights?
India highlighted Pakistan's own 'abysmal record on human rights' and its 'systematic victimisation of minorities across various faiths,' stating that Pakistan's comments were hypocritical and an attempt to divert attention from its domestic issues.
What is the status of the Ganj Shaheeda Mosque in Varanasi?
The mosque received a notice from the Northern Railway administration to vacate land deemed an 'illegal encroachment' for the Kashi Railway Station redevelopment. Mosque authorities contest this and plan legal action.