Pakistan, known for its dismal track record in religious freedom and protection of minority rights, jumped into the outrage cycle on BJP spokesperson’s remarks on Mohammed, the founder of Islam. Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, tweeted condemnation and charged that India under Modi is “trampling religious freedoms & persecuting Muslims. World should take note & severely reprimand India”.

Pakistan’s foreign office issued a statement claiming that “belated and perfunctory disciplinary action against these individuals cannot assuage the pain and anguish they have caused to the Muslim world.”

India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the remarks made by Pakistan’s PM and Foreign Office. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi issued a statement which said that, “The absurdity of a serial violator of minority rights commenting on the treatment of minorities in another nation is not lost on anyone. The world has been witness to the systemic persecution of minorities including Hindus, Sikhs, Christians and Ahmadiyyas by Pakistan… The Government of India accords the highest respect to all religions. This is quite unlike Pakistan where fanatics are eulogized and monuments built in their honour.”

He further called on Pakistan to focus on the safety, security and well-being of its minority communities instead of engaging in alarmist propaganda and attempting to foment communal disharmony in India.

India has also issued a statement condemning remarks made by the OIC and asserted that India accords the highest respect to all religions.