Pakistan concerned over Indian court’s ruling of upholding hijab ban

FO says judiciary in India has completely failed to uphold principles of justice and equality

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan on Tuesday expressed serious concerns over a high court ruling in India upholding a hijab ban in the educational institutions of the country's Karnataka state.

Earlier today, an Indian court upheld a ban on wearing of the hijab in classrooms in the southern state of Karnataka, a decision that could set a precedent for the rest of the country with a big Muslim minority.

The ban last month had sparked protests by Muslim students and parents, and counter-protests by Hindu hardliners. Critics of the ban say it is another way of marginalising a community that accounts for about 13% of Hindu-majority India's 1.35 billion people.

In a statement, the foreign office observed that the decision manifestly failed to uphold the principle of freedom to religious practices and impinges on the human rights.

Also read: India court upholds state hijab ban in schools, could set national precedent

Equally sad, it added, is the fact that the judiciary in India which is expected to act as a bulwark against dehumanisation, stigmatisation and discrimination against minorities has completely failed to uphold the principles of justice and equality.

"This decision marks a fresh low in the relentless anti-Muslim campaign where even the pretext of secularism is being weaponised to target Muslims," it noted.

The foreign office feared that the flawed ruling would fast-track marginalisation of minorities, especially Muslims and would further embolden the Hindu-RSS zealots to target them with impunity.

It also lamented the malicious trend of characterising Muslims as 'others' or a ‘20 per cent’ by prominent BJP leaders, which is continuing with appalling impunity, is now also being translated into decisions by the judiciary.

Also read: In hijab row, critics say India's BJP looking for votes in southern state

The statement further noted that the discriminatory Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the grossly injudicious Indian Supreme Court judgement in the Babri mosque case are not distant memories.

"India, under its current dispensation, is oblivious to the fact that its so-called ‘secular’ credentials are fast waning much to the detriment of its minorities, the foreign office warned.

"Pakistan strongly urges the Indian government to ensure safety, security and protection of minorities, particularly Muslims, and their right to practice religion."

Islamabad called upon the international community, the United Nations and relevant international organisations to play their role in prevailing upon India to arrest the tide of majoritarianism and discrimination and to ensure protection of all minorities especially Muslims.