ISLAMABAD, JAN 17 /DNA/ – Pakistan has strongly condemned what it described as the profiling of mosques and mosque management committees in Indian-occupied Kashmir, calling it a grave violation of religious freedom.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan firmly rejects the alleged actions targeting mosques and religious institutions in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
He described the measures as blatant interference in religious affairs and a direct violation of the fundamental right to freedom of religion and belief.
Forced data collection
The spokesperson said the forced collection of personal information, photographs and religious affiliations of mosque officials and religious figures amounts to systematic harassment.
He added that these actions are aimed at creating fear among worshippers and obstructing the free performance of religious duties.
Allegations of institutional Islamophobia
According to the Foreign Office, the targeting of mosques and Muslim scholars reflects what it termed institutional Islamophobia under the Hindutva ideology.
The spokesperson said such actions demonstrate discriminatory and sectarian policies, where only mosques and Islamic religious figures are being singled out.
Andrabi categorically stated that the people of held-Kashmir have an inalienable right to practice their religion without fear, pressure, or coercion. He stressed that Kashmiris have every right to preserve their religious identity and traditions freely.
Criticism of Indian policies
The spokesperson said Indian measures in occupied Kashmir are clearly discriminatory in nature and aimed at undermining religious freedom. He added that such steps are intended to intimidate worshippers and restrict religious practices in the region.
Pakistan reiterated that it will continue to stand in full solidarity with the Kashmiri people. The spokesperson said Pakistan will keep raising its voice against religious oppression at every international forum.
He emphasized that Islamabad remains committed to highlighting alleged human rights and religious freedom violations under the government of Narendra Modi.
