Pakistan Foreign Minister condemns Abdul Aziz killing

Islamabad, Aug 12 (UNI) Pakistan has condemned the killing of APHC leader Shaikh Abdul Aziz and 'excessive and unwarranted' use of force against Kashmiris across the Line of Control (LoC).

''The Government of Pakistan condemns the excessive and unwarranted use of force against the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir and call for immediate steps to end violence against innocent Kashmiris,'' Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmud Qureshi said in a statement yesterday.

He said, ''We are deeply concerned over the deteriorating situation in Jammu and Kashmir which is resulting in loss of life and property of the Kashmiri people,'' he said a day after five Kashmiri protesters were shot dead by Indian security forces during their march to the LoC.

''I have learnt with great sorrow and grief the news about the martyrdom of a prominent APHC leader in the Indian occupied Kashmir,'' Mr Qureshi said.

He said it was important that an enabling environment, free of violence, is created to sustain the peace process and address the long standing dispute of Jammu and Kashmir.

UNI XC PD HS1455