Jaishankar Raises Concerns Over Minority Safety in Pakistan and Bangladesh

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Lok Sabha, raising concerns about the treatment of minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Highlighting several incidents, including abductions and forced conversions, he emphasized India's efforts at international levels to address these issues, marking them as significant concerns for the government.

In a Friday session of the Lok Sabha, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar sounded alarms regarding the plight of minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh. He elaborated on the ongoing monitoring by India of minority treatment in these nations, while expressing an inability to alter the pervasive fanaticism of neighboring countries.

Highlighting 10 specific incidents of attacks on Hindus in Pakistan from February, Jaishankar detailed cases of abductions and forced conversions. Additionally, he recounted three cases targeting the Sikh community, including violent assaults, threats, and an abduction leading to forced conversion.

Raising the issue on international platforms, Jaishankar mentioned discussions held with counterparts in Bangladesh regarding numerous incidents targeting minorities. Responding to inquiries on potential decisive action mirroring past Indian policies, Jaishankar reaffirmed India's clear stance while acknowledging the limits of influencing deep-seated prejudices in neighboring states.

(With inputs from agencies.)