New Delhi: The delicate political connection between India and Pakistan suffers another deterioration after terrorists killed 26 residents in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. A bold remark made by Pakistani Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan regarding a proposed Ayodhya mosque caused massive backlash on Indian social media platforms, which greatly worsened tensions between both countries.
Controversial Claims in Senate Speech
Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan addressed the Pakistani Senate on April 29 as a leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to launch controversial statements against the Ayodhya mosque construction. She stated that “the Pakistani Army will put the initial stone in place for the new Babri Masjid of Ayodhya, and Army Chief General Asim Munir will provide the initial azaan.” Pakistan stands firm in its position, and the leader announced through her words, “We are not wearing bangles.” Indian social media users strongly criticise the remarks for their direct confrontation against religious sentiments in India.
The PPP party member Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan holds a dual role as deputy information secretary within the party while maintaining a seventeen-year political experience as a PPP member. She joined the Senate during 2021 to become a representative for Sindh province among female-selected candidates. From 2008 to 2013 she exercised her political duties as a member of the Pakistani National Assembly. Khan holds a special familial connexion as the niece of Fauzia Behram who became the first female representative in Punjab Legislative Assembly in 1988.
Divisive Remarks on Sikh Soldiers
During the same public address, Khan made statements regarding Sikh military personnel serving in the Indian armed forces. When Pakistan comes under attack, she claims Sikh soldiers from the Indian Army will show restraint due to Pakistan being the holy ground of Guru Nanak Dev. Social media users have universally condemned this statement because they suspect Khan uses religious sentiments for political gain.
Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions
The Pahalgam attack has deteriorated relations between India and Pakistan dramatically, so India enforced several stringent diplomatic agreements. The Indian government plans to examine the Indus Water Treaty along with implementing flight bans for Pakistan and border entry restrictions at Attari while downsizing the Pakistani diplomatic office in New Delhi. The Indian security forces demonstrate constant security measures when handling the ongoing LoC and international border ceasefire violations.
Khan’s remarks intensified tensions between both nations, which led to strong condemnation from Indian commentators and delayed the prospects for tensions to decrease.