On Friday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a strong denunciation of the persistent closure of the historic Jama Masjid located in Srinagar, within Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), coinciding with the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan. This condemnation highlights Pakistan’s deep concern over the restrictions imposed on worshippers at one of the most significant religious sites in the region during a spiritually important time.
The statement from the Foreign Office emphasized that barring congregational prayers at Jama Masjid represents a grave infringement on religious liberties and fundamental human rights of Kashmiri Muslims. The mosque, revered for its historical and spiritual importance, has been inaccessible to worshippers on this crucial day, which traditionally draws large gatherings for communal prayers and reflection.
It is important to note that this marks the seventh consecutive year since August 5, 2019, when India took unilateral steps to alter the status of Jammu and Kashmir, that the occupation authorities have enforced a lockdown on the mosque. Since then, the authorities have routinely sealed the Jama Masjid, preventing the local Muslim population from assembling for prayers on the last Friday of Ramadan, a day considered especially sacred in the Islamic calendar.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office expressed deep concern over these ongoing restrictions, underscoring how such measures not only disrupt religious observances but also exacerbate tensions in the already volatile region. The closure of the mosque during Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, and spiritual renewal, is viewed as a deliberate attempt to suppress religious expression and cultural identity in IIOJK.
In its appeal, Pakistan urged the international community, including the United Nations and various human rights organizations, to take serious note of these violations. The Foreign Office called on these global actors to hold India accountable and to advocate for the restoration of religious freedoms in the region. It stressed that the right to practice one’s religion freely is a fundamental human right that must be upheld without discrimination or political interference.
As the situation continues to unfold, the closure of Jama Masjid remains a poignant symbol of the broader struggle faced by the Kashmiri people under occupation. The international community’s response will be crucial in addressing these ongoing human rights concerns and ensuring that religious sanctuaries like Jama Masjid remain open to all worshippers, especially during significant religious occasions.
