On 20 June 2026, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi categorically rejected unwarranted comments made by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, stating he has no locus standi to comment on matters internal to India.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the remarks, an attempt to interfere in India’s affairs—were “absurd” especially given Pakistan’s “abysmal” human rights record. Zardari had raised concern over the alleged demolition of the 1,000-year-old Masjid Ganj Shaheeda in Varanasi, urging India to stop such actions and protect minority rights.
MEA Hits Back
Jaiswal stated: “India categorically rejects the unwarranted comments made by the president of Pakistan. He has, in any case, no locus standi to comment on matters that are internal to India”. The MEA described Zardari’s remarks as driven by “bigotry and hatred” and pointed out that Pakistan’s own human rights challenges—including minority victimisation—make his comments misplaced. Z
Zardari’s post on Pakistan’s X account called for an immediate halt to demolitions and threats to historic Muslim religious sites in India, warning they could lead to “disintegration and perennial chaos”.
Background
The dispute centres on the alleged demolition threats facing Masjid Ganj Shaheeda in Varanasi, a site Zardari referred to while urging Indian authorities to halt such measures and protect shared cultural heritage. India’s sharp rebuke marks a fresh diplomatic flare-up, with the MEA emphasising that religious-site matters within India are internal affairs beyond Pakistan President’s standing to comment.
The spokesperson additionally highlighted global commentary on Pakistan’s human rights record as context for rejecting the remarks.
The Varanasi Mosque Notice
The controversy began after India’s Northern Railways’ Varanasi division issued a demolition notice to Masjid Ganj Shaheeda—a nearly 1,000-year-old mosque built in 1034 located near Kashi Railway Station—directing the mosque committee to vacate the land by 20 June, claiming the structure occupies railway property.
According to the notice, if the mosque is not removed within the deadline, railway administration will carry out demolition action. Local media reports indicate the notice appeared on the mosque wall on 12 June, describing it as an “illegal construction on railway land”. Railway officials state that encroachment removal is part of standard operations
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian champions peace, dialogue, kindness, empathy, harmony and coexistence—even when nations clash. While India rightly defends its internal affairs, we urge both sides to avoid rhetoric driven by bigotry and instead engage in respectful dialogue that protects all religious sites and minority rights. Can we, as a community, call for mutual respect for sacred spaces and invite leaders to prioritise empathy over condemnation?
India Rejects Pakistan President’s ‘Unwarranted’ Comments: ‘No Right to Comment on India’s Internal Matters’
Ananya Ganotra
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On 20 June 2026, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi categorically rejected unwarranted comments made by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, stating he has no locus standi to comment on matters internal to India.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the remarks, an attempt to interfere in India’s affairs—were “absurd” especially given Pakistan’s “abysmal” human rights record. Zardari had raised concern over the alleged demolition of the 1,000-year-old Masjid Ganj Shaheeda in Varanasi, urging India to stop such actions and protect minority rights.
MEA Hits Back
Jaiswal stated: “India categorically rejects the unwarranted comments made by the president of Pakistan. He has, in any case, no locus standi to comment on matters that are internal to India”. The MEA described Zardari’s remarks as driven by “bigotry and hatred” and pointed out that Pakistan’s own human rights challenges—including minority victimisation—make his comments misplaced. Z
Zardari’s post on Pakistan’s X account called for an immediate halt to demolitions and threats to historic Muslim religious sites in India, warning they could lead to “disintegration and perennial chaos”.
Background
The dispute centres on the alleged demolition threats facing Masjid Ganj Shaheeda in Varanasi, a site Zardari referred to while urging Indian authorities to halt such measures and protect shared cultural heritage. India’s sharp rebuke marks a fresh diplomatic flare-up, with the MEA emphasising that religious-site matters within India are internal affairs beyond Pakistan President’s standing to comment.
The spokesperson additionally highlighted global commentary on Pakistan’s human rights record as context for rejecting the remarks.
The Varanasi Mosque Notice
The controversy began after India’s Northern Railways’ Varanasi division issued a demolition notice to Masjid Ganj Shaheeda—a nearly 1,000-year-old mosque built in 1034 located near Kashi Railway Station—directing the mosque committee to vacate the land by 20 June, claiming the structure occupies railway property.
According to the notice, if the mosque is not removed within the deadline, railway administration will carry out demolition action. Local media reports indicate the notice appeared on the mosque wall on 12 June, describing it as an “illegal construction on railway land”. Railway officials state that encroachment removal is part of standard operations
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian champions peace, dialogue, kindness, empathy, harmony and coexistence—even when nations clash. While India rightly defends its internal affairs, we urge both sides to avoid rhetoric driven by bigotry and instead engage in respectful dialogue that protects all religious sites and minority rights. Can we, as a community, call for mutual respect for sacred spaces and invite leaders to prioritise empathy over condemnation?
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