India strongly denounces Pakistan’s comments on the recently adopted WAQF amendment, asserting that the matter is purely internal and that Pakistan has no right to intervene. The law was cleared by both houses of parliament on April 4 and was approved by the president the next day, involving the governance and management of the Indian WAQF real estate.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal dismissed Pakistan’s criticism, calling it “motivated and unfounded.” “Pakistan does not have any loci to comment on issues within India. Pakistan is best looking at its own poor record when protecting the rights of minorities, rather than preaching to others,” he said.
The Indian government clarified that the revised WAQF law focused on property and administrative affairs rather than religious practices. Officials believe that a large amount of land across the country is declared WAQF property, often leading to disputes, mismanagement and abuse. The government said the amendment aims to increase transparency and prevent illegal encroachment or self-incultation of certain vested interests.
The bill passed after a fierce but concluding debate between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Critics raised concerns about property rights and potential for abuse, while the government defended the bill, a step towards accountability and better governance.
India’s rebuttal to Pakistan’s business has emphasized a broader diplomatic stance of non-intervention in domestic legislative affairs, while also raising a global record of the treatment of ethnic minorities in Pakistan, including Hindus, Sikhs, Christians and Ahmadi.
