ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has expressed its serious concern at the ruling of theHigh Court of Indian State of Karnataka banning the wearing of ‘hijab’ byMuslim girls in educational institutions.
The decision manifestly has failed to uphold the principle of freedom toreligious practices and impinges on the human rights, said Foreign Officein a statement on Tuesday.
Equally sad is the fact that the judiciary in India which is expected toact as a bulwark against dehumanization, stigmatization and discriminationagainst minorities has completely failed to uphold the principles ofjustice and equality. This decision marks a fresh low in the relentlessanti-Muslim campaign where even the pretext of secularism is beingweaponized to target Muslims.
It is feared that the flawed ruling by the High Court would fast track thepace of marginalization of the minorities, especially Muslims and furtherembolden the Hindu-RSS zealots to target them with impunity.
It is deeply concerning that the malicious trend of characterizing Muslimsas ‘others’ or ‘20%’ by prominent BJP leaders which was continuing withappalling impunity is now also being translated into decisions by thejudiciary. The discriminatory Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and thegrossly injudicious Indian Supreme Court judgement in the Babri mosque caseare not distant memories.
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India, under its current dispensation, is oblivious to the fact that itsso-called ‘secular’ credentials are fast waning much to the detriment ofits minorities. Pakistan strongly urges the Indian government to ensuresafety, security and protection of minorities, particularly Muslims, andtheir right to practice religion.
“We also call upon the international community, the United Nations andrelevant international organizations to play their role in prevailing uponIndia to arrest the tide of majoritarianism and discrimination in India andto ensure protection of all minorities especially Muslims,” FO concluded.
