Pakistan has strongly denounced the reported desecration of Holy Quran in a Norwegian city.

At his weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal said the Muslims respect other religions and they expect the followers of other religions to also respect their religious sentiments.

Voicing serious concerns over the prevailing situation in Occupied Kashmir, the spokesperson regretted that the Kashmiris are not being allowed to offer their Friday prayers at mosques. Dubbing it as contrary to international laws and conventions, he urged the international community including the United Nations to take notice of the brutal suppression of the religious rights and freedoms of Kashmiri people.

Dr Muhammad Faisal said India should immediately restore internet and mobile phone services, release all the prisoners and remove all the draconian laws. He said India should allow international media and human rights observers to visit Occupied Kashmir to independently observe the situation there.

The spokesperson said that the humanitarian nightmare is worsening in the valley with continued military lockdown and complete communications blackout. This is affecting the life and property of millions of Kashmiri people who have been cut off from the rest of the world.

Responding to a question about the remarks of ex Indian army general about Kashmiri women, the spokesperson said terrorism and extremism is rising in India. It is a moment for the Indian society to introspect as to which way they are embarking upon.

When asked about the letter claiming death of abducted colonel Habib Zahir, the spokesperson said it appears to be fake. He said it is obviously campaign of sensationalization being undertaken by hostile agencies against Pakistan and its nationals. He said Pakistan and the family of Colonel Habib Zahir are extremely concerned about his whereabouts who was kidnapped more than two years ago from an area in Nepal close to Indian border.

To a question, Dr Muhammad Faisal said Pakistan has always desired to have cordial relations with neighboring India but it has never reciprocated.

When asked about the US's endorsement of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, the spokesperson said Pakistan's policy regarding this issue remains unchanged and it considers all the Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank as illegal under the international law. He said the settlements will further hamper the viability of the two state solution and prospects of lasting peace in the region.

(Zahid/Abdul Rehman)