Overview
- Pakistan’s Foreign Office condemned reported pre‑Christmas vandalism in India and called the persecution of minorities there a matter of deep concern.
- Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi urged international bodies to take note and alleged state‑sponsored actions against Muslims, citing demolitions and lynchings including the Muhammad Akhlaq case.
- India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected the remarks as finger‑pointing, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal saying Pakistan’s abysmal record and systemic victimisation of minorities are well established.
- Indian media reported specific incidents: a Raipur mall vandalised during a shutdown and Christmas decorations damaged in Assam’s Nalbari, where police reported arrests.
- India’s rebuttal referenced longstanding criticism of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, and the exchange continued a familiar pattern of reciprocal accusations in strained bilateral relations.