India on Tuesday sharply rejected Pakistan’s criticism of the Waqf Amendment Act 2025, calling the comments “motivated and baseless” and pointing to Pakistan’s own dismal record in protecting minority rights.

“We strongly reject the motivated and baseless comments made by Pakistan on the Waqf Amendment Act enacted by the Parliament of India. Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on a matter that is internal to India,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in response to media queries.

Jaiswal added that Pakistan “would do better to look at its own abysmal record when it comes to protecting the rights of minorities, instead of preaching to others.”

The Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025—also known as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Act—is seen by the Indian government as a landmark reform aimed at improving transparency, inclusiveness, and effective management of Waqf properties.

According to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the UMEED Act represents over a century of progressive legislation in Waqf governance, dating back to 1913.

“This is a turning point in reforms aimed at ensuring the social benefit of Waqf properties while modernizing their administration,” the ministry stated in a social media post.

Indian leaders, including BJP national spokesperson and former Union Minister Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, emphasized that the bill is beneficial for the Muslim community.

“The Waqf Amendment Bill is in the interest of Muslims. It will benefit the poor among them and give them a chance to develop themselves anew,” Hussain said.

He also warned against misinformation, saying, “Just like with the Citizenship Amendment Act, Pakistan is spreading false propaganda. Don’t fall for it… PM Narendra Modi is working with the motto of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”