MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal NEW DELHI: India on Friday sharply criticised Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir over his reported remarks asking Shias to “go to Iran,” calling it part of Islamabad’s “systemic victimisation of minorities.”Reacting to the issue during the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen reports on the issue. Such comments are not isolated incidents but are part of Pakistan’s systemic victimisation of minorities, including the Shia minority in that country. The shrinking numbers of minorities in Pakistan over several decades reflect the kind of fear, persecution, oppression and neglect that they have had to endure at the hands of the Pakistani state.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Blasts reported near Pakistan embassy in Tehran as Israel launches fresh wave of strikesUS-Iran war: India prepares to re-start LNG buys from Russia; seeks Trump admin waiver, says reportMiddle East crisis: Govt levies export duties on diesel, turbine oil; eyes over Rs 1,500 crore collection in fortnight””I need not elaborate on the abysmal record of Pakistan when it comes to protection of human rights of its minorities, which is also very well documented,” he added.The remarks come amid heightened tensions following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US–Israel operation earlier this month, which sparked outrage among Shia communities across the Muslim world.In Pakistan, where Shias are a minority, protests over the development turned violent, leaving at least 25 people dead.Against this backdrop, Munir reportedly told Shia clerics that those who “love Iran so much” should “go to Iran” — a comment that drew strong criticism from community leaders, who described it as provocative and offensive.The reported remark came after Munir warned that violence in Pakistan in response to the developments in Iran would not be tolerated.During the meeting, Shia cleric Muhammad Shifa Najafi pushed back against the remarks and urged Munir not to blame the entire community for the actions of a few individuals.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi To Inaugurate Noida International Airport Phase 1 On March 28: All You Need To KnowBig Fuel Tax Cut By Centre, But No Price Relief: Why Petrol And Diesel Still Cost The Same In India’Thank You India’ Written On Missiles: Iran’s 83rd Strike Blurs Line Between War And MessagingIndia And Russia In Talks To Resume LNG Trade Amid Iran War, Delhi Seeks Trump Admin’s WaiverPM Modi Offers Prayers, Joins Surya Tilak Ceremony At Ayodhya Ram MandirDonald Trump Praises PM Modi, Says India-US Ties Will Grow Stronger Amid West Asia Crisis And TalksChaos Rocks J&K Assembly: Iran Protest Sparks Scuffle, Row Over BJP’s ‘Pappu’ Jibe At Rahul GandhiJaishankar Pushes UNSC Reform At G7, Flags Global Crises And India’s Strategic Leadership Role’Undiplomatic’: Pakistan Reacts To Jaishankar’s ‘Dalal’ Jibe At Islamabad On US-Iran Peace TalksModi Govt Slashes Excise Duty On Fuel Even As Global Oil Crisis Hits Neighbours Like Pakistan123PhotostoriesNora Fatehi looks divine in a deep purple Raw Mango saree10 mind-blowing facts about the blue planet, Earth‘Harry Potter’ TV show cast guide: Who’s playing who?7 posh residential areas of Ahmedabad offering luxury and connectivityFrom net worth to a luxurious Mumbai home: Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai actress Saumya Tandon’s lavish lifestyleLocal train-like services between Mumbai and Surat likely on cards: What we knowSalma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault to Jay-Z and Beyoncé: 5 Hollywood’s richest couples in 2026Can you ‘pre-train’ your body for weather changes and avoid falling sick?Delhi-Meerut Expressway gets pricier: NHAI hikes toll from April 1Angry and frustrated? Try these home cleaning hacks to reset your mind123Hot PicksStock Market TodayDonald TrumpIran Strike on IsraelUS Iran WarIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingMiddle East CrisisBSEB 10th ResultPetrol Price TodayPoland Bent TreesUS Strike on IranFrance Underwater ShipwreckUS mortgage ratesUAE CycloneUS citizenshipCOVID-19 fraud case
NEW DELHI: India on Friday sharply criticised Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir over his reported remarks asking Shias to “go to Iran,” calling it part of Islamabad’s “systemic victimisation of minorities.“Reacting to the issue during the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen reports on the issue. Such comments are not isolated incidents but are part of Pakistan’s systemic victimisation of minorities, including the Shia minority in that country. The shrinking numbers of minorities in Pakistan over several decades reflect the kind of fear, persecution, oppression and neglect that they have had to endure at the hands of the Pakistani state.”“I need not elaborate on the abysmal record of Pakistan when it comes to protection of human rights of its minorities, which is also very well documented,” he added.The remarks come amid heightened tensions following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US–Israel operation earlier this month, which sparked outrage among Shia communities across the Muslim world.In Pakistan, where Shias are a minority, protests over the development turned violent, leaving at least 25 people dead.Against this backdrop, Munir reportedly told Shia clerics that those who “love Iran so much” should “go to Iran” — a comment that drew strong criticism from community leaders, who described it as provocative and offensive.The reported remark came after Munir warned that violence in Pakistan in response to the developments in Iran would not be tolerated.During the meeting, Shia cleric Muhammad Shifa Najafi pushed back against the remarks and urged Munir not to blame the entire community for the actions of a few individuals.
