According to FO, the international community has responsibility for the preservation of sacred sites and religious heritage. In honor of the anniversary of the centuries-old Babri Masjid in Ayodhya being demolished, Pakistan has called on the world community to support the preservation of Muslim religious heritage. During his weekly media briefing on Friday, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi made the comment in response to a query.
The mosque was destroyed by a Hindu mob in 1992, sparking extensive riots throughout India that claimed the lives of almost 2,000 people, mostly Muslims. Hindus regard the location as sacred and believe it to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. Its historical significance predates the Muslim Mughals’ construction of the Babri mosque in 1528. More than a year after the temple’s consecration, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially completed it in November by raising a saffron flag atop the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya during a ceremony.
For many years, there was a bitter disagreement between Muslims and Hindus over the location of the temple. “Babri Masjid is etched in our collective memory,” Andrabi continued. “This historic mosque in Ayodhya was destroyed on December 6, 1992, in circumstances that continue to evoke deep sadness and concern.” For everyone who opposes intolerance and religious prejudice, the incident is still distressing. Pakistan insisted that the international community shares responsibility for the protection of holy sites and heritage. “It is essential that all acts undermining Muslim religious symbols or historical legacy be addressed with transparency, accountability, and a firm commitment to justice,” a spokesperson for the FO stated.
Pakistan emphasized that desecration of any place of worship violates the values of religious equality and threatens the mutual respect and sense of security that all communities are entitled to. It further stated that Indian Muslims’ ongoing feelings of marginalization and psychological suffering following this incident are still a major worry. “Emboldened by state patronage, Hindu fascist organisations are now clamouring for the complete ghettoisation of Indian Muslims and other religious minorities.” According to Andrabi, peaceful cohabitation and interfaith harmony are important to Pakistan. “We call upon the international community, including relevant UN institutions and influential global voices, to acknowledge the importance of safeguarding Muslim religious heritage and to help ensure that such painful incidents do not recur.”
In accordance with its legal responsibilities, Pakistan also reiterated its commitment to defending the rights and religious liberties of minorities living inside its boundaries. The FO showed support for Muslims who are still grieving the loss of the Babri mosque on the anniversary of its demolition. “Let this occasion serve not only as a remembrance of a painful event but also as a reaffirmation of the universal values of dignity, justice, and respect for sacred heritage.” Pakistan called on the Indian government to promote an atmosphere of inclusion and tolerance, guaranteeing equal citizenship rights and respect for all religious and cultural groups.
