Pakistan called Indian envoy over Muslim girl hijab ban in Karnataka schools

Pakistan condemned the “reprehensible act” of prohibiting Muslim girl from wearing hijab in the Indian state of Karnataka.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) summoned Indian Charge d’ Affaires Suresh Kumar on Wednesday to express Pakistan’s severe concern and condemnation of the “very deplorable act of prohibiting Muslim girl students in the Indian state of Karnataka from wearing hijab (headscarves).”

“The charge d’affaires was urged to convey to the Government of India, Pakistan’s extreme concern over the anti-hijab campaign spearheaded by the RSS-BJP coalition in Karnataka, which is part of its larger exclusionist and majoritarian agenda aimed at dehumanizing and demonizing Muslim women,” according to a statement from the FO.

Pakistan’s deep concern was also conveyed to the Indian diplomat, who stated that religious intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, and discrimination against Muslims continue unabated almost two years after the horrific Delhi riots in February 2020, which claimed the lives of 50 innocent Muslims.

“The Government of Pakistan is also alarmed by the BJP leadership’s deafening silence and the lack of discernible action against Hindutva supporters openly calling for the genocide of Muslims at the recently held Dharam Sansad in Haridwar, Uttarakhand,” the statement continued.

It was also highlighted that the Indian government must fulfill its obligation to punish perpetrators of harassment against women in Karnataka accountable and take appropriate measures to safeguard Muslim women’s safety, security, and well-being.

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The Indian envoy was also urged to persuade the Indian government to take swift action against perpetrators and abettors of anti-Muslim violence in the Indian states of Assam, Tripura, Gurugram, and Uttarakhand, as well as to deliver justice to the victims of the Delhi riots.

“Pakistan also calls on the international community, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, to take note of the alarming level of Islamophobia in India and persuade Indian authorities to stop systematic human rights violations against minorities in the country,” it said.