Internal matter: India rejects Pakistan criticism of Waqf Act

New Delhi’s reaction came after a spokesperson of the Pakistan Foreign Office alleged that the Waqf law is an “infringement” on the religious and economic rights of Indian Muslims.

“We strongly reject the motivated and baseless comments made by Pakistan on the Waqf Amendment Act enacted by the Parliament of India,” Jaiswal said.

“Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on a matter that is internal to India,” he said.

“Pakistan would do better to look at its own abysmal record when it comes to protecting the rights of minorities, instead of preaching others,” Jaiswal said.

The Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson reportedly called the Waqf (Amendment) Act as an attempt to “dispossess” Muslims from their properties including mosques and shrines.

“We strongly believe it is an infringement over the religious and economic rights of Indian Muslims,” the official reportedly said on Thursday.

There are serious apprehensions that it (the law) will contribute to “further marginalisation” of Indian Muslims, the Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson added.