S Jaishankar highlights rising attacks on minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh in Parliament
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India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar (file photo)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed Parliament today, detailing alarming incidents of violence against minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
According to Jaishankar, India is closely monitoring the treatment of minorities in Pakistan and has clearly communicated its concerns to Islamabad.
The minister listed ten major incidents of violence against Hindus in Pakistan reported in February alone. These included seven cases of abductions, forced disappearances, and coerced religious conversions, two incidents of kidnapping, and an instance of police brutality against students for celebrating Holi.
Jaishankar also highlighted three instances of atrocities against Sikhs. In one case, a Sikh family was assaulted for resisting forced conversion. In another, a Sikh family received death threats for reopening a Gurdwara and practicing their faith. A third incident involved a Sikh girl being abducted, held captive, and tortured until she agreed to convert to Islam.
Religious minorities beyond Hindus and Sikhs have also faced severe persecution.
Jaishankar noted that members of the Ahmadiyya community, who are not recognised as Muslims by extremists in Pakistan, continue to be targeted. Additionally, a Christian man with mental health issues was reportedly charged with blasphemy.
The situation in Balochistan was also addressed, with Jaishankar citing numerous reports of atrocities, forced disappearances, torture, and killings in the region, further highlighting Pakistan’s poor record of human rights.
Turning to Bangladesh, Jaishankar informed Parliament that India is also tracking attacks on minorities there. While 2,400 incidents were reported in 2024, the number has decreased to 72 in 2025. The Indian government has raised these concerns with Bangladeshi officials at various levels, including during visits by the foreign secretary.
When questioned about potential "tough action" against Pakistan similar to that taken by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the 1971 war, Jaishankar emphasised that India's stance is already well known. However, he acknowledged that India cannot alter Pakistan’s "fanatical and bigoted mindset" toward minorities, adding, "Even Indira Gandhi could not do it."