Pakistan has strongly condemned highly derogatory remarks recently made by two senior leaders of India’s ruling party BJP, that disrespect the Holy Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

The Foreign Office spokesperson in a statement said that these totally unacceptable remarks have not only deeply hurt the sentiments of the people of Pakistan, but of billions of Muslims around the world.

It stated that BJP’s attempted clarification, and belated and perfunctory disciplinary action against these individuals cannot assuage the pain and anguish they have caused to the Muslim world. Muslims residing in India are equally outraged by the completely repugnant comments by the two BJP officials. The ensuing communal violence in Kanpur and in other parts of India bears testimony to this fact.

The statement expressed deep concern at the alarming rise in communal violence and hatred directed against the Muslims in India.

It said that Muslims in India are being systematically stigmatized, marginalized and subjected to a well-orchestrated onslaught from radical Hindu mobs with full connivance and support of the security apparatus across various states in India. Regrettably, the Indian state machinery has remained aloof to the desperate calls for assistance by the local Muslim communities across the country.

The spokesperson urged India to ensure that decisive and demonstrable action is taken against those responsible for making derogatory remarks and attacking the dignity of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Pakistan once again calls on the international community to take immediate cognizance of the grievously aggravating situation of Islamophobia in India, adding that India must be held accountable for stifling the rights of the minorities, especially Muslims to practice their faith and religious beliefs.

PM Shehbaz condemns BJP leaders’ comments

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his tweet said that, under Modi-led fascist regime, India was trampling religious freedoms and persecuting Muslims.

Muslim countries denounce BJP leaders’ remarks

Iran, Qatar, and Kuwait have also denounced the recent remarks on Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made by BJP leaders and summoned the Indian envoys. The envoys explained that the views expressed belong to ‘fringe elements’ and do not reflect the views of the Government of India.

Meanwhile, the BJP has suspended spokesperson Nupur Sharma and expelled Naveen Kumar Jindal from primary party membership over their statements.

The controversy has raised the ire of social media users in Muslim countries calling for a boycott of Indian products.