ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday strongly condemned the continued closure of historic Jama Masjid Srinagar on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramazan, calling it a serious violation of religious freedom and fundamental human rights in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the continued prevention of worshippers from offering congregational prayers at one of the valley’s most revered mosques reflects ongoing restrictions on religious practices in the region.
The statement noted that for the seventh consecutive year since India’s actions of August 5, 2019, the authorities have sealed the mosque and barred Kashmiri Muslims from gathering for prayers on the spiritually significant day.
Pakistan expressed concern that such measures, particularly during the sacred month of Ramazan, represent a troubling curtailment of religious rights and freedoms.
Islamabad also urged the international community, including the United Nations and global human rights organisations, to take notice of the situation and press India to ensure the protection of religious freedom as a fundamental human right in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
