Pakistan Criticizes India for Restricting Eid Prayers in Srinagar

Islamabad, The Pakistani Foreign Office has publicly criticized the Indian government’s decision to restrict Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the Eidgah in Srinagar, situated in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). This condemnation was voiced during a weekly press briefing by Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Baloch expressed deep concern over the recurring denial of permissions for religious observances in the region, specifically noting the house detention of Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, a prominent religious and political leader in Srinagar. She emphasized the importance of allowing the people of IIOJK the freedom to practice their religion and peacefully assemble, echoing Pakistan’s ongoing support for a resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute that aligns with United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Additionally, the spokesperson shared the election of Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, as the Chairman of the UN Disarmament Commission for the year 2024. Highlighting this achievement, Baloch expressed optimism that Ambassador Jadoon would foster a spirit of multilateralism, dialogue, and cooperation, in line with the commission’s objectives to advance global disarmament efforts.