New Delhi, April 15:— India on Tuesday issued a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan’s criticism of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, asserting that Islamabad has no standing to comment on the country’s internal affairs and should instead address its own record on minority rights.
“We strongly reject the motivated and baseless comments made by Pakistan on the Waqf Amendment Act enacted by the Parliament of India,” said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. “Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on a matter that is internal to India.”
Jaiswal further noted that Pakistan would be better served by reflecting on its treatment of minorities rather than making unwarranted remarks about Indian legislation. “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,” he said.
The statement comes in response to remarks made by Pakistan criticizing the amendment, which Islamabad claimed undermines minority rights. India’s response is in line with its consistent position that constitutional and legislative matters passed by its Parliament are sovereign issues.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act was passed earlier this year to streamline the administration of waqf properties and ensure greater transparency.
