Expressing concerns over the ruling of an Indian court over the hijab ban, Pakistan has feared that the ruling would “fast track” the marginalisation of minorities, especially Muslims while it will further embolden the Hindu-RSS zealots to target them with impunity.

An Indian court on Tuesday upheld a ban on the hijab in class in the state of Karnataka. “We are of the considered opinion that wearing of hijab by Muslim women does not form a part of essential religious practice,” Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi said in the judgement.

“Pakistan expresses its serious concern at the ruling of the High Court of Indian State of Karnataka banning the wearing of ‘hijab’ by Muslim girls in educational institutions. The decision manifestly has failed to uphold the principle of freedom to religious practices and impinges on the human rights,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.

It lamented that the Indian judiciary, which is expected to act as a bulwark against discrimination against minorities, has “completely failed” to uphold the principles of justice. “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 read.

The FO further expressed concerns over the malicious trend of characterising Muslims as ‘others’ or ‘20%’ by prominent BJP leaders that was continuing with impunity. “This is now also being translated into decisions by the judiciary,” it said, adding that the Citizenship Amendment Act and the grossly Indian Supreme Court judgement in the Babri mosque case were 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 said and urged the Indian government to ensure the safety of minorities, particularly Muslims, and their right to practice religion.

It further 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 in India and to ensure the protection of all minorities, especially Muslims.