India slams Pakistan over Waqf Bill comments, highlights its 'abysmal record' of protecting minority rights

IANS April 15, 2025 211 views

India has firmly rejected Pakistan's critical comments about the new Waqf Amendment Act, asserting that Pakistan has no right to comment on India's internal legislative matters. The government emphasizes that the UMEED Act represents a significant reform in Waqf property management, designed to be transparent and inclusive. BJP leaders like Syed Shahnawaz Hussain have stressed that the bill will benefit the Muslim community and aligns with Prime Minister Modi's inclusive "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" philosophy. The diplomatic response highlights ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly regarding minority rights and legislative reforms.

"Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on a matter that is internal to India" - Randhir Jaiswal, MEA Spokesperson
New Delhi, April 15: India on Tuesday slammed Pakistan for making "motivated and baseless comments" on the Waqf Bill, citing Pakistan's "own abysmal record" when it comes to protecting the rights of minorities.

Key Points

1

India strongly rejects Pakistan's motivated comments on Waqf Bill

2

UMEED Act represents significant legal reforms for Waqf properties

3

BJP leaders emphasize bill's benefits for Muslim community

4

Modi's inclusive governance approach highlighted

"We strongly reject the motivated and baseless comments made by Pakistan on the Waqf Amendment Act enacted by the Parliament of India. Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on a matter that is internal to India," said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in response to media queries regarding comments made by Pakistan on the Waqf Bill.

"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," he added.

The enactment of the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 2025 (UMEED Act) has been labelled as a "turning point" in reforms carried out in Waqf laws between 1913 and 2025 for social benefit from Waqf properties.

“The changes in Waqf laws in India from 1913 to 2025 show a strong effort to protect and manage Waqf properties for society’s benefit while ensuring a proper administration system. Each law aimed to solve current problems while keeping the main purpose of #Waqf endowments," the Ministry of Minority Affairs stated in a recent social media post.

The government reckons that the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 is an important step towards making Waqf management more transparent, responsible, and inclusive.

Several Indian leaders have addressed the fears and misconceptions being spread about the Bill, reiterating that the Waqf committees will still be headed by Muslims and that no religious or community bias is involved.

"The Waqf Amendment Bill is in the interest of Muslims. It will benefit the poor among them and give them a chance to develop themselves anew," said BJP national spokesperson and former Union Minister, Syed Shahnawaz Hussain.

Just like during the Citizenship Amendment Act, Pakistan has been trying to spread misconceptions about the bill, he said."Don't fall for propaganda... PM Narendra Modi is working with the motto of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas," Hussain said.

Reader Comments

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Priya K.
Finally some strong words against Pakistan's interference! They should focus on their own minority issues first. The Waqf reforms seem well-intentioned to me. 👏
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Amit S.
While I support the government's right to respond, I wish the language was more diplomatic. The Waqf Bill does seem progressive though - transparency in management is always good.
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Rahul M.
Pakistan has no business commenting on our internal matters. Their track record speaks for itself. Hope the Waqf reforms actually help the intended beneficiaries!
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Sunita P.
The article explains the Waqf changes well. It's about time these properties were managed properly. Though I wonder how effective the implementation will be - that's often where good policies fail.
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Irfan A.
As a Muslim, I welcome these reforms. The Waqf properties have been mismanaged for decades. Hope this brings real change on ground level and not just on paper. 🤲

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Tags:
India-Pakistan Relations Waqf Amendment Act Minority Rights Narendra Modi Diplomatic Tensions Muslim Community
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