Pakistan has called on the international community to help protect Muslim religious heritage as the country marked the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya, India.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, speaking at the weekly media briefing on Friday, said the destruction of the centuries-old mosque on December 6, 1992, still causes deep sadness and concern for people who stand against intolerance and discrimination.
The Babri Masjid was torn down by a Hindu mob, sparking nationwide riots in India that killed around 2,000 people, most of them Muslims. The site has long been disputed, with Hindus claiming it as the birthplace of Lord Ram, while the mosque was built there in 1528 by the Mughal Empire.
Last month, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised a saffron flag at the newly completed Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, a temple built on the site where the mosque once stood.
Andrabi said Babri Masjid is “etched in our collective memory” and stressed that all religious heritage must be protected. He said the international community has a responsibility to ensure transparency, accountability, and justice when sacred sites are harmed.
He voiced concern over what he called the growing marginalisation of Indian Muslims, adding that “Hindu fascist organisations” feel encouraged by state support and are pressuring Muslim communities.
Pakistan said the protection of religious sites and equal rights for minorities are essential for peace and stability. Andrabi urged global organisations, including the United Nations, to recognise the need to safeguard Muslim cultural and religious symbols.
He added that Pakistan remains committed to protecting its own minority communities and promoting interfaith harmony.
The Foreign Office said the Babri Masjid anniversary should serve as a reminder of the need for respect, justice, and dignity for all, urging India to create an atmosphere of tolerance and inclusivity for all its citizens.
