Islamabad, The Pakistani government has officially condemned the construction and consecration of the ‘Ram Temple’ on the historic site of the Babri Mosque in Ayodhya, India.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Pakistan’s Foreign Office released a statement today expressing disapproval of the events leading to the temple’s consecration. The statement highlighted the demolition of the centuries-old Babri Mosque by extremists on December 6, 1992, and criticized India’s judiciary for acquitting those responsible and permitting the temple’s construction on the mosque’s site.

The Foreign Office emphasized that these developments over the last 31 years symbolize increasing majoritarianism in India, contributing to the social, economic, and political marginalization of Indian Muslims. It noted that the construction of a temple on the mosque’s ruins would permanently mar India’s democratic image.

Additionally, the statement pointed out the growing list of mosques in India, including the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and the Shahi Eidgah Mosque in Mathura, which are under similar threats. The Foreign Office expressed concern over the escalating ‘Hindutva’ ideology in India, considering it a significant threat to religious harmony and regional peace. It also referred to statements from the Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, interpreting the demolition of the Babri Mosque and the inauguration of the ‘Ram Temple’ as steps toward reclaiming parts of Pakistan.

The statement concluded with a call to the international community, urging them to acknowledge the rising Islamophobia, hate speech, and hate crimes in India. It appealed to the United Nations and other international organizations to protect Islamic heritage sites in India from extremist groups and to ensure the safety of religious and cultural rights of minorities. Pakistan’s government also urged the Indian government to guarantee the safety and security of its religious minorities, particularly Muslims.