New Delhi: In a diplomatic spat that underscores the lingering tensions between India and Pakistan, India has firmly dismissed Pakistan’s criticisms of the Waqf (Amendment) Act as “motivated and baseless.” This dispute reveals not only the deep-seated mistrust between the two nations but also their fundamentally different approaches to managing religious properties. At the heart of the controversy is India’s recent legislative move to modernize the management of Waqf properties, which Pakistan claims marginalizes Muslims.
The Ministry of External Affairs in India made it clear that Pakistan has no right to interfere in India’s internal matters, particularly highlighting Islamabad’s own record of protecting minority rights. “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,” emphasized MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. This sharp rebuke comes after Pakistan’s Foreign Office claimed that the Waqf (Amendment) Act aims to dispossess Muslims of their properties, including mosques and shrines.
Enacted on April 8 after being cleared by both houses of Parliament, the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, seeks to streamline the management of Waqf properties across India. The legislation includes provisions for stronger government oversight and digital registration of Waqf assets, which are designed to enhance transparency and safeguard heritage sites. This move is part of broader efforts to modernize Islamic philanthropic practices and ensure that Waqf properties support social welfare and religious activities effectively.
The act has faced criticism not just from Pakistan but also within some Indian quarters, with concerns about government intervention in religious affairs. In contrast, Amit Malviya, BJP IT cell chief, defended the legislation as a significant reform aimed at modernizing Waqf administration in India. Meanwhile, Pakistan manages its Waqf properties through various provincial laws, including the Sindh Waqf Properties Act and the Punjab Waqf Properties Ordinance.
As international observers watch this diplomatic exchange unfold, it highlights broader tensions between India and Pakistan. The dispute over the Waqf Act serves as a microcosm of deeper issues related to religious and cultural identity, governance, and minority rights that both nations face. The criticism from Pakistan reflects not only its own governance challenges but also a broader skepticism about the intentions behind India’s legal reforms.
