AIMIM leader Waris Pathan criticizes Italian PM Giorgia Meloni over school face-veil restrictions

AIMIM national spokesperson Waris Pathan has strongly criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following her proposal to ban face-covering garments like the burqa and niqab in schools. Pathan claimed that Meloni prefers women to wear items like bras, panties, and bikinis in public, and asserted that she dislikes women who dress conservatively and respectfully. He further alleged that the Italian leader has adopted the Indian government's approach toward Muslims, pointing out her friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meloni announced these proposed measures on Sunday during an annual gathering of the youth wing of her party, the Brothers of Italy, stating her cabinet would review the measure to restrict veils in educational institutions. The planned restrictions form part of a wider package regarding immigration and school integration, which also features a limit on foreign student enrollment and compulsory Italian language classes for immigrants. Prime Minister Modi and Meloni have maintained a friendly public dynamic since she assumed office in 2022, meeting frequently at international events and bilateral visits, which has led social media users to combine their names into the term Melodi. Both nations have simultaneously worked to strengthen bilateral connections across sectors such as defense, trade, security, and technology.