MEA hits back at Pakistan over Ayodhya flag hoisting remarks, says 'Fix your human rights record before lecturing others'
PTC Web Desk: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly criticised Pakistan for its recent comments on the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan, given its long history of discrimination and mistreatment of minority communities, holds “no moral authority” to comment on India’s internal matters.
Addressing the media during the weekly briefing, Jaiswal responded sharply to Islamabad’s statement. “We have seen the remarks and reject them with the contempt they deserve. Pakistan’s stained record of bigotry, repression and systemic abuse of minorities leaves it unfit to lecture others,” he said. He further added that Islamabad should focus on improving its own human rights situation instead of issuing “hypocritical sermons.”
Pakistan had earlier objected to the recent hoisting of a saffron flag atop the Ram Temple, alleging it added to the supposed pressure on religious minorities in India and was part of an attempt to “erase Muslim heritage.”
The criticism came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday, ceremonially hoisted the saffron flag on the shikhar of the newly built Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The Dhwajarohan Utsav marked the completion of the temple’s construction. PM Modi described the moment as deeply emotional and spiritually uplifting, noting that participating in the ceremony at Ayodhya was a profoundly moving experience.
- With inputs from agencies
