Pakistan Criticizes India on Babri Masjid Anniversary; Taj Mahal Preservation Debate Resurfaces

Islamabad, December 5, 2025 – Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong statement marking the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, linking it to broader concerns about the preservation of Muslim heritage in India, including the Taj Mahal.

Official Statement from Pakistan

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mr. Tahir Andrabi stated that the 1992 demolition "remains unsettling" and emphasized the "shared responsibility of the international community" to protect religious heritage. The statement did not specifically mention the Taj Mahal.

Historical Context: Taj Mahal Preservation Concerns

The Taj Mahal, a 17th-century Mughal-era mausoleum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been subject to preservation debates for decades. In 2018, reports surfaced about structural concerns due to environmental pollution and legal disputes over its history. However, at no point has the Indian government or any mainstream political party proposed demolishing the monument.

The 2018 Business Insider article referenced concerns raised by some historians and environmentalists about deterioration due to pollution and neglect—not about active demolition plans. Since then, the Archaeological Survey of India has continued restoration and conservation efforts.

Current Situation

Recently, heightened rhetoric from some fringe Hindu nationalist groups questioning the monument's historical narrative has renewed international attention. A planned film questioning the site's history has been misinterpreted in some circles as advocating for demolition, contributing to misinformation.

The Government of India and the ruling BJP have repeatedly affirmed the Taj Mahal's status as a national treasure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration has included it prominently in tourism campaigns, and official budgets continue to allocate funds for its maintenance.

Minority Rights and International Scrutiny

Pakistan's statement aligns with ongoing concerns from human rights organizations about the treatment of religious minorities in India and the preservation of Islamic heritage sites. Global activist networks continue to call for greater international scrutiny, with some advocating for sanctions based on alleged systematic discrimination.

India's Official Position

India maintains that all heritage sites are protected under law and that allegations of planned demolition are baseless. Officials attribute such rumors to political misinformation and emphasize the country's commitment to preserving its diverse cultural legacy.