ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office (FO) on Friday strongly condemned the continued closure of the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar in Srinagar on the last Friday of Ramadan, urging the international community to take notice of the situation.
In a statement, the Foreign Office said Pakistan strongly denounces the sealing of the mosque and the prevention of worshippers from offering congregational prayers at one of the most revered religious sites in the valley.
The statement said barring Kashmiri Muslims from praying at the historic mosque constitutes a serious violation of religious freedom and fundamental human rights in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the Foreign Office, the closure marks the seventh consecutive year that authorities have sealed the mosque on the last Friday of Ramadan following India’s actions of Revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5, 2019.
The FO expressed concern over restrictions on religious practices, particularly during the sacred month of Ramadan, calling them deeply troubling.
Pakistan 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 freedom of religion and respect for fundamental rights in the region.
