MEA slams Imran’s ‘second class citizens’ statement

The Asian Age.

India, All India

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said that minorities were being treated as “second class citizens.”

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan (Photo: ANI)

New Delhi: India on Saturday evening slammed Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan yet again for his latest alleged remarks  on treatment of minorities in India, with New Delhi saying all Indian citizens are treated equally and pointing out instead  how minorities are systematically discriminated against in Pakistan.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said that minorities were being treated as “second class citizens.” Addressing a gathering at Balloki Headworks in Nankana Sahib, he said: “The PTI government would not allow minorities to be treated like “second class citizens like those experienced by minorities in India”. In a statement, the MEA said, “The Pakistan Prime Minister’s remarks are an egregious insult to all citizens of India. Her has yet again demonstrated his lack of understanding about India’s secular polity and ethos.”

He overlooks the obvious fact that adherents of all faiths  choose to live under the democratic polity and the progressive Constitution of India. India has eminent leaders of all faiths who occupy its highest Constitutional and official positions”.

The MEA added, “In contrast, Pakistani citizens of non-Islamic faith are barred from occupying high Constitutional offices. The minorities are often turned away from government bodies like the Economic Advisory Council of their Prime Minister, even in ‘naya Pakistan’. Pakistan would do well to focus on its domestic challenges and improve conditions of its citizens rather than try and divert attention. The Pakistan Prime Minister’s latest attempts to play with minority sentiment in India will be rejected by the people of India.”

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