Pakistan Condemns Nitish Kumar Over Hijab Row, Calls Act ‘Deeply Disturbing’

Pakistan on Thursday strongly criticised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over an incident in which he was seen pulling down the hijab of a Muslim woman doctor, calling the act “deeply disturbing” and demanding accountability. The controversy erupted after a video of the incident went viral on social media, triggering sharp political reactions both within India and across the border.

Addressing a weekly press briefing in Islamabad, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the incident deserved serious attention and condemnation. He urged Indian authorities and political stakeholders to recognise the gravity of the matter, stating that such actions risk normalising the public humiliation of Muslim women.

“The forcible removal of a Muslim woman’s hijab by a senior political leader and the subsequent public ridicule of this act are deeply disturbing,” Andrabi said. He added that the incident reflects a troubling pattern that could further marginalise minority communities, particularly Muslim women, in India.

The remarks come amid growing international attention following the circulation of the video, which shows the Bihar Chief Minister allegedly pulling down the woman doctor’s veil during a public interaction. The footage sparked widespread outrage on social media platforms, with critics accusing the Chief Minister of violating personal dignity and religious freedom.

Pakistan’s Human Rights Council also weighed in, terming the incident “unacceptable” and calling for an immediate, transparent, and impartial investigation. The organisation urged Indian authorities to take corrective action and ensure accountability for what it described as a serious violation of individual rights.

The issue has also found resonance among political leaders in Pakistan. Punjab province’s Information Minister Azma Bokhari said the incident once again highlighted concerns related to the treatment of Muslims in India. In a post on X, she stated that the episode reminded her of the “two-nation theory,” a reference that further escalated diplomatic rhetoric around the issue.

Bokhari shared two contrasting videos in her post — one showing Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz honouring a female officer, and another depicting the Bihar CM pulling down the Muslim doctor’s veil. The comparison was used to underline what she described as differing approaches towards women and minority rights.

Pakistan has also appealed to international bodies, urging the United Nations and global human rights organisations to take note of the incident. Officials argued that such actions by elected leaders send troubling signals about religious tolerance and women’s dignity in public spaces.

Meanwhile, the controversy continues to generate strong reactions within India, with opposition leaders demanding clarification and accountability from the Bihar government. While no official response has yet been issued by Nitish Kumar regarding Pakistan’s remarks, the episode has added fuel to an already intense political debate.

As the video continues to circulate, the incident remains at the centre of discussions on personal dignity, religious freedom, and the conduct expected from public office holders, both domestically and internationally.