Fri Mar 28 16:49:38 UTC 2025: ## India Raises Concerns Over Attacks on Minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh

**New Delhi, [Date]** – India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence against religious minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Speaking in the Lok Sabha today, Jaishankar detailed numerous incidents, highlighting the precarious situation faced by these communities.

In Pakistan, the minister cited at least 10 attacks on Hindus in February alone, including seven cases of abduction and forced conversion, two abductions, and one incident involving police action against students celebrating Holi. He also mentioned three attacks targeting the Sikh community, including an attack on a family, threats related to a Gurdwara, and the abduction and conversion of a Sikh girl. Additionally, two cases involving the Ahmediya community and one involving a Christian were cited.

Jaishankar stated that India is closely monitoring the situation and has raised these concerns both bilaterally with Pakistan and on international platforms, including the UN Human Rights Council. He acknowledged that past agreements between India and Pakistan regarding minority protection have proven ineffective due to Pakistan’s failure to uphold its commitments. India has, however, granted long-term visas to over 50,000 minorities who have fled Pakistan since 2014.

Regarding Bangladesh, Jaishankar reported a significant number of attacks on minorities, citing 2,400 incidents in 2024 and 72 in 2025. He confirmed that these concerns have been raised with Bangladeshi counterparts.

While acknowledging India’s efforts to expose these atrocities and provide refuge to those fleeing persecution, Jaishankar emphasized the limitations of changing the “fanatical and bigoted mindset” of neighboring countries, noting that even Indira Gandhi’s government was unable to achieve this. The Indian government continues to monitor the situation and advocate for the protection of religious minorities in both countries.

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