SLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned the continued closure of the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, saying that preventing worshippers from offering Friday prayers in Indian-administered Kashmir is a serious violation of religious freedom and fundamental human rights.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Foreign Office said it was deeply concerning that the historic mosque in Srinagar remained closed on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, a day of great spiritual significance for Muslims. The statement said that preventing Muslims from gathering for collective prayers at the mosque constitutes a clear infringement of religious freedom.
The Foreign Office further noted that since India’s August 5, 2019 actions in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, this is the seventh consecutive year that the authorities have kept the Jamia Masjid closed and prevented Kashmiri Muslims from assembling to offer prayers on this spiritually important occasion.
The statement added that restrictions on religious worship, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, are highly alarming. Pakistan also urged the international community, especially the United Nations and human rights organizations, to take notice of the situation and press India to ensure religious freedom in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir as a fundamental human right.
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