ndia on Tuesday firmly rejected Pakistan’s criticism of the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, asserting that Islamabad has no authority to comment on an internal legislative matter. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called Pakistan’s remarks “motivated and baseless,” and pointed to its “abysmal” track record in safeguarding the rights of its own minorities.
“We strongly reject the motivated and baseless comments made by Pakistan on the Waqf Amendment Act enacted by the Parliament of India,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Pakistan Alleges “Marginalisation” of Muslims in India
Pakistan’s foreign office had earlier raised concerns about the law, claiming it would diminish the Muslim community’s control over Islamic endowments and further marginalise them.
Responding to a media query, Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson Shafqat Khan said Islamabad believes the Act represents “an infringement over the religious and economic rights of Indian Muslims.” He added that the law “usurps the property rights of [the] Muslim community and could potentially dispossess them of a number of mosques, shrines and other holy places.”
Khan also contended that the legislation would “undermine the Muslim’s management in control of their properties endowed for different religious and charitable purposes” and reflect the “growing majoritarianism in India.” He expressed concerns that it “will contribute to further marginalisation of Indian Muslims.”
India Stresses Domestic Nature of the Issue
India, however, maintained that the matter is entirely internal and that Pakistan should refrain from offering unsolicited commentary.
“Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on a matter that is internal to India,” Jaiswal said. “Pakistan would do better to look at its own abysmal record when it comes to protecting the rights of minorities, instead of preaching to others.”
What the Waqf (Amendment) Act Entails
Passed after extensive debate in Parliament, the Waqf (Amendment) Act officially came into effect on April 8. The legislation introduces major changes to the management of Islamic charitable endowments in India.
It authorises non-Muslims to be part of waqf boards and permits government officials to conduct surveys of waqf properties. The central government described it as a “historic reform” intended to bring transparency and inclusivity to the management of waqf assets.
Opposition Calls Law “Anti-Muslim”
Despite the government’s stance, several opposition parties have criticised the legislation, calling it “anti-Muslim” and “unconstitutional.” Critics argue that it alters the character of waqf institutions and infringes on the rights of the Muslim community.
The political debate over the Act continues domestically, while India has firmly drawn a line against international commentary, especially from Pakistan.
