Pakistan urges India to promote environment of tolerance

Islamabad: Pakistan has urged the Indian government to promote an environment of tolerance and inclusivity, ensure legal equal citizenship rights and mutual respect among all religious and cultural communities.

The call was made by Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tahir Andrabi, at his weekly media briefing in Islamabad today while responding to a question in wake of anniversary of the destruction of historic Babri Mosque by Hindu fanatics.

The Spokesperson said Pakistan holds the preservation of religious heritage and sacred sites as a shared obligation of the international community, and Babri Mosque was a heritage site.

Babri Mosque was a heritage site.

He said it is essential that all acts undermining Muslim religious symbols or historical legacy should be addressed through transparency, accountability and commitment to justice.

The Foreign Office Spokesperson added Pakistan emphasizes that the desecration of any place of worship constitutes a breach of the principle of religious equality and undermines the collective sense of security and mutual respect that all the communities deserve.

He said the continued sense of marginalization, emotional distress, experienced by the Indian Muslims in wake of destruction of Babri Masjid remains a serious concern embolden by the state patronage.

Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan values interfaith harmony in peaceful coexistence. We call upon the international community including relevant United Nations organizations, institutions and influential global voice to acknowledge the importance of safeguarding Muslims religious heritage and to help ensure that such painful incidents like the destruction of Babri Masjid do not reoccur. Pakistan also reaffirms its own commitment to protect the rights and religious freedom of minorities within its borders in line with its legal obligations.

Responding to a question seeking Pakistan's response to the statements made by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Zangnan (Arunachal Pradesh) and statements by India as well as media commentary on this matter, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Pakistan has taken note of the remarks made by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Spokesperson said Pakistan reiterates its consistent support for China on matters concerning its sovereignty and territorial integrity.