India Slams Pakistan Over Waqf Act Remarks
"Look at your own record on minorities," MEA tells Islamabad after criticism of amended Indian law
India has strongly rebuked Pakistan for its comments on the recently passed Waqf Amendment Act, asserting that the matter is purely internal and that Pakistan has no right to interfere. The law, which was cleared by both Houses of Parliament on April 4 and received presidential assent the next day, deals with the governance and management of Waqf properties across India.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed Pakistan’s criticism, calling it “motivated and baseless.” He stated, “Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on a matter that is internal to India. Pakistan would do better to look at its own abysmal record when it comes to protecting the rights of minorities, instead of preaching to others.”
The Indian government has clarified that the amended Waqf law is focused on property and administrative matters, not on religious practices. Officials have argued that vast tracts of land across the country had been declared as Waqf property, often leading to disputes, mismanagement, and misuse. The amendment aims to improve transparency and prevent illegal encroachments or self-enrichment by certain vested interests, the government has said.
The Act was passed following intense but conclusive debates in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Critics had raised concerns over property rights and the potential for misuse, while the government defended the bill as a step towards accountability and better governance.
India’s firm rebuttal to Pakistan underlines the broader diplomatic stance of non-interference in domestic legislative matters, while also drawing global attention to Pakistan’s own track record regarding the treatment of minorities, including Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and Ahmadis.