New Delhi: In a stark reflection of the complex relationship between India and Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored the deep-seated challenges in altering Pakistan’s “fanatical and bigoted mindset” towards minorities. This perspective was reinforced by highlighting various incidents of attacks on minority groups in both Pakistan and Bangladesh. Jaishankar’s address in Lok Sabha not only revealed India’s close monitoring of these situations but also its commitment to raising these issues on the international stage.
At the heart of these developments are the stark statistics on minority persecution. In February alone, Pakistan witnessed ten significant incidents against Hindus, including seven cases involving abduction and forced conversion. Moreover, two instances of abduction and a police crackdown on students celebrating Holi were documented. Beyond Hindus, Sikhs and other minority communities, such as Ahmediyas and Christians, faced similar hardships. For instance, a Sikh family was attacked, while another faced threats for reopening an old Gurdwara. Additionally, a Sikh girl was abducted and coerced into converting her faith.
India continues to keep a watchful eye on the welfare of minorities in both Pakistan and Bangladesh. In 2024, Bangladesh experienced 2,400 incidents of attacks on minorities, which dropped to 72 in 2025. These figures have sparked significant concern within the Indian government, leading to direct engagement with Bangladeshi officials.
Historical agreements like the Nehru-Liaquat Pact of 1950, aimed at protecting minorities, have been rendered ineffective due to Pakistan’s failure to uphold them. Despite these challenges, India has shown a sympathetic stance to Pakistani minorities by granting over 50,000 long-term visas since 2014.
The plight of minorities in Pakistan has been consistently raised by India at international forums, including the United Nations Human Rights Council. This ongoing diplomatic effort underscores India’s commitment to heightening awareness about these persistent human rights abuses.
