On Saturday, 20th June, India strongly dismissed comments made by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari regarding the Ganj Shaheeda Mosque in Varanasi, saying Pakistan has no right to comment on matters that are entirely internal to India.
Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India “categorically rejects” the remarks made by the Pakistan President. He stated that Pakistan has no locus standi to speak on issues that fall within India’s domestic affairs.
Jaiswal also said Pakistan’s comments were surprising considering its own human rights record. He pointed out that Pakistan has often faced criticism globally over the treatment of minorities and has a long history of targeting and victimising people belonging to different faiths. According to him, the remarks made by the Pakistani President appeared to be a political attack driven by policies of intolerance and hatred.
Why India responded
India’s reaction came after President Asif Ali Zardari raised concerns over action being taken against the historic Ganj Shaheeda Mosque near Kashi Railway Station in Varanasi.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep concern over the demolitions and threats to historic Muslim religious sites in India, including the 1,000-year-old Masjid Ganj Shaheeda in Varanasi. He asked India to immediately stop such actions, warning that they risk leading to the…
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) June 20, 2026
In a post on X, Zardari said he was deeply concerned about demolitions and threats to historic Muslim religious sites in India, including the nearly 1,000-year-old Masjid Ganj Shaheeda in Varanasi. He urged India to stop such actions immediately and claimed that such developments could create long-term instability. He also called for the protection of minority rights and shared cultural heritage.
What is the Ganj Shaheeda Mosque case?
The controversy began after the Railways pasted a notice on 13th June at Ganj Shaheeda Mosque, located near the main entrance of Kashi Railway Station. The notice described the structure as being on railway land and asked those concerned to vacate the premises by 20th June, stating that further action could be taken after the deadline.
According to the Railway Administration, the mosque stands on land required for redevelopment work at the station. The notice also referred to a civil suit filed by the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee that a Varanasi court dismissed in August 2024.
However, the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee has challenged the Railway’s position. Committee representatives say the mosque is centuries old and existed long before the railway station was established. They claim historical records, including an 1883-84 settlement map of Banaras, mention the mosque. The committee has also stated that the case cited by the Railways was dismissed because of non-appearance and not through a final judgment on ownership.
Following the notice, a delegation led by City Mufti Maulana Abdul Batin Nomani met Varanasi District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar and sought intervention in the matter. Meanwhile, committee leader S.M. Yaseen responded to Pakistan’s comments, saying Pakistan should focus on protecting its own religious sites, where attacks and bombings frequently occur.
The matter remains under discussion over the redevelopment plans for Kashi Railway Station.
