India cannot change fanatical and bigoted mindset of Pakistan: Jaishankar in Lok Sabha

NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar told the Lok Sabha on Friday that India is "very closely" tracking incidents of attacks on minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh. The minister said New Delhi is making its position "well known" but cannot change the "fanatical and bigoted mindset" of a neighbouring country.
During the Question Hour, Jaishankar drew attention to 10 incidents of attacks on Hindus in Pakistan in February. Seven involved abduction and forced conversion, two were cases of abduction, and one incident saw "police action" against students celebrating Holi.
"There were three incidents relating to the Sikh community in Pakistan. In one case, a Sikh family was attacked. In another case, a Sikh family was threatened because of the reopening of an old gurdwara. There was also an abduction and conversion issue with one girl from that community. There were two cases pertaining to the Ahmadiyya community. In one case, a mosque was sealed and in another case, 40 graves were desegregated and there was one case pertaining to the Christian community, where a Christian person who reportedly was mentally unstable was charged with blasphemy," Jaishankar informed the House.
He added that India also monitors the welfare of minorities in Bangladesh. "Like in Pakistan, we track the welfare and well-being of minorities in Bangladesh as well ... In 2024, we had 2,400 incidents relating to attacks on minorities and in 2025, 72 incidents ... I have taken it up with my counterpart there. The foreign secretary also took it up when he visited Bangladesh. This continues to be a matter of concern for our government," he said.
Responding to a query on whether India plans to take "tough action" similar to Indira Gandhi’s stance against Pakistan, Jaishankar said, "We as a government and a country cannot change the fanatical and bigoted mindset of a neighbour. Even Indira Gandhi could not do it."
On March 26, Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) released a report highlighting a sharp rise in attacks on religious minorities in the country during the first quarter of 2025. The report condemned the escalating abuses, stating that relief and justice remain elusive due to resource constraints and the influence of religious and political figures.
HRFP President Naveed Walter said, "Religious minorities in Pakistan are easier targets for attacks, murders, blasphemy charges, abductions, forced conversions, and forced marriages. The lack of attention to their suffering and neglect is even more painful."
The report cited several recent cases, including the false accusation of theft against Wasif Masih, a Christian youth from Chak Jhumra, Faisalabad, who was assaulted and publicly humiliated with black paint on his face.