ISLAMABAD: Pakistan this week expressed “serious concern” as an Indian court upheld a ban on wearing the Muslim headscarf at schools in the southern state of Karnataka on the grounds the hijab was not an "essential religious practice" in Islam.
The ban, imposed last month, sparked protests by some Muslim, and counter-protests by Hindu, students. Critics say the ban is another reflection of efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his BJP party to marginalize Muslims who account for roughly 13% of India's 1.35 billion people. The country is majority Hindu.
“The decision manifestly has failed to uphold the principle of freedom to religious practices and impinges on the human rights,” the foreign office said in a statement.
“Equally sad is the fact that the judiciary in India which is expected to act as a bulwark against dehumanization, stigmatization and discrimination against minorities has completely failed to uphold the principles of justice and equality. This decision marks a fresh low in the relentless anti-Muslim campaign where even the pretext of secularism is being weaponized to target Muslims.”
Pakistan said it feared the ruling could set a precedent for the rest of India and its large Muslim minority.
On Tuesday, Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi of the High Court of Karnataka said in the judgement the government had the power to prescribe uniform guidelines, dismissing various petitions challenging the ban ordered by Karnataka.
"We are of the considered opinion that the prescription of school uniform is only a reasonable restriction constitutionally permissible which the students cannot object to," Awasthi said.
Pakistan expresses ‘serious concern’ as Indian court upholds state hijab ban in schools
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Pakistan expresses ‘serious concern’ as Indian court upholds state hijab ban in schools
- Ban imposed last month had sparked protests in southern state of Karnataka
- Pakistan fears the ruling could set a precedent for the rest of the country
China backs Pakistan in fight against militancy after deadly Balochistan attacks
- China is a major ally and investor in Pakistan and has pledged over $65 billion in major infrastructure projects, including in Balochistan
- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian says ‘we mourn for lives lost, and our hearts go out to injured and those who lost loved ones’
ISLAMABAD: China condemns the recent attacks that killed more than 200 people in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday, reaffirming Beijing’s support for Pakistan in its fight against militancy.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) group launched coordinated attacks in several cities across Balochistan on Saturday, killing 33 civilians and 17 security personnel. Officials said 117 militants were killed in skirmishes and follow-up operations.
Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, is the site of a decades-long insurgency waged by Baloch separatist groups who often attack security forces, foreigners and non-local Pakistanis and kidnap government officials.
China is a major ally and investor in Pakistan and has pledged over $65 billion in investment in road, infrastructure and development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
“China strongly condemns the [Balochistan] attacks... We mourn for the lives lost, and our hearts go out to the injured and those who lost their loved ones,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a press briefing on Tuesday.
“China firmly opposes any form of terrorism and will as always firmly support Pakistan in combating terrorism, maintaining solidarity and social stability, and protecting the safety of the people.”
Chinese nationals working in Pakistan have often been targeted by militants, particularly in the southwestern Balochistan province, where China is developing a deep seaport that is touted as the crown jewel of CPEC.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said last week the attacks, claimed by the separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), were planned from India. New Delhi rejected the allegation as “baseless,” saying Islamabad was attempting to deflect attention from its internal challenges.
Balochistan is home to vast reserves of minerals and hydrocarbons. Separatist militant groups such as the BLA blame Islamabad for exploiting Balochistan’s natural resources and denying locals a share in them. The military and civilian government reject these allegations and say they are investing in the province’s development.
