New Delhi, March 28 (H.S.): External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar addressed Lok Sabha, highlighting the dire state of minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh, criticizing Pakistan's extremist mindset as unchangeable.

While responding to questions related to Pakistan and Bangladesh during the question hour in the Lok Sabha, Dr. Jaishankar mentioned that India is closely monitoring the situation of minorities in neighboring countries. He informed that in the month of February alone, 10 cases of atrocities against Hindus were reported in Pakistan. In addition to this, there were three cases against Sikhs, two against Ahmadis, and one case against a Christian community.

He noted that the Indian representative at the United Nations Security Council had recently raised this issue. India had stated that human rights violations, persecution of minorities, and a gradual erosion of democratic values are occurring in Pakistan.

Regarding the situation of minorities in Bangladesh, he mentioned that over 2,400 such cases have come to light in 2024. Meanwhile, 72 cases have been reported so far in 2025. He has discussed this matter with his counterpart and the Foreign Secretary has also visited the neighboring country. He stated that the situation of minorities in the neighboring country remains a cause for concern for us.

Dr. Jaishankar asserted Pakistan is afflicted by an extremist and bigoted mindset, and we cannot change it as a country and government. He mentioned that India grants asylum to minorities coming from Pakistan and provides them with long-term visa facilities. Until 2014, India had issued 15,090 visas.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar