Pakistan on Monday forcefully rejected what it described as a baseless and malicious allegation by the Indian Army, which accused Pakistan of targeting the Golden Temple—one of Sikhism’s most revered religious sites—calling the claim not only factually incorrect but also morally reprehensible.
In a strongly worded statement, the Foreign Office said that the very notion of targeting the Golden Temple is inconceivable for Pakistan, a country that has long upheld the sanctity of religious sites and championed interfaith harmony. “India’s allegation is entirely unfounded and unacceptable. It is a desperate attempt to divert international attention from its own shameful actions,” the spokesperson stated.
The Foreign Office revealed that it was, in fact, India that violated religious sanctity by targeting places of worship in Pakistan during the night between May 6 and 7. “By fabricating claims against Pakistan, India seeks to deflect global scrutiny from its own unacceptable aggression against sacred spaces,” the statement added.
Underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to protecting religious minorities, the spokesperson reaffirmed that Pakistan is a proud custodian of Sikh religious heritage. “Thousands of Sikh pilgrims from around the world travel to Pakistan each year to visit their holy sites, including through the visa-free Kartarpur Corridor. Our doors remain open to them with reverence and respect,” the statement said.
The spokesperson urged India to refrain from irresponsible and inflammatory rhetoric that threatens regional peace and religious harmony. “Pakistan will continue to uphold its responsibilities with dignity and remain steadfast in promoting respect for all faiths,” the statement concluded.
