ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan has strongly condemned the continued closure of the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, calling on the international community to take notice.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in a statement in Islamabad, the Foreign Office (FO) said, “Pakistan strongly condemns the continued closure of the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramazan.
“Preventing worshippers from offering congregational prayers at one of the most revered mosques in the valley constitutes a serious violation of religious freedom and fundamental human rights in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” it said.
The Foreign Office said that for the seventh consecutive year since India had revoked the territory’s special autonomy, occupation authorities had “sealed the mosque and barred Kashmiri Muslims from gathering for prayers on this spiritually significant day”.
“Such restrictions on religious practice, particularly during the sacred month of Ramzan, are deeply concerning,” it stated.
The FO called on the international community, including the United Nations and human rights organisations, to take notice of these actions and urge India to ensure the freedom to practice religion as a fundamental human right in IIOJK.
Jamia Masjid Srinagar
Jamia Masjid Srinagar, located in the Nowhatta area of the Old City, is the largest and one of the most historically significant mosques in Kashmir. Commissioned by Sultan Sikandar in 1394 CE, it remains a central pillar of religious and political life in the region.
