Pakistan condemns Saharanpur mosque demolition after court-backed action

Islamabad,UPDATED: Sep 6, 2026 20:44 IST

Pakistan on Sunday condemned the demolition of a mosque in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur, calling it a "reprehensible action". The response came after authorities demolished the mosque inside the District Magistrate's office complex on Saturday after a court upheld the administration's claim that the structure was an unauthorised occupation of government land.

The demolition drew criticism from opposition leaders and Muslim organisations in India, who questioned the manner and timing of the action. The administration, however, said it was carried out following a court order.

In a statement, Pakistan's Foreign Office described the demolition of what it called a "historic Islamic place of worship" as "yet another manifestation" of a "broader campaign" to "erase the Islamic heritage". It also called on the international community to take note of the incident. The Foreign Office further said Indian authorities should be held accountable for what it termed violations of religious freedoms.

Islamabad's reaction came four days after India strongly condemned the reported destruction of a Hindu temple in Pakistan's Narowal region and demanded a prompt investigation. New Delhi had also said Pakistan must take immediate remedial measures to restore the "desecrated temple" and fulfil its primary obligation to guarantee the safety, security and well-being of all its minority citizens and their cultural heritage.

The dispute over the Saharanpur mosque centred on its presence on government land. In July, the City Magistrate's court held that the structure amounted to unauthorised occupation of government property and ordered its eviction. The mosque management challenged the order, but the District Judge's court later dismissed its appeal. The demolition has since triggered a political and diplomatic response, with the administration citing the court order and Pakistan condemning the move.

With PTI Inputs

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