The Syrian government accuses rebels of targeting Sayyeda Zainab shrine, which is now protected by hundreds of fighters from Iraq and the powerful Lebanese Hezbollah group. PHOTO: AFP
The foreign ministry conveyed Pakistan’s deep concerns over such ‘reprehensible acts.’
According to the foreign ministry spokesperson, the government of Pakistan urged upon Syrian authorities to ensure safety and security of all holy shrines and buildings in Syria.
“The trend of desecration of the holy sites has hurt the sentiments of Muslims in Pakistan as indeed the world over. Such violations, which also fan sectarian strife, are most reprehensible,” the spokesperson added.
Pakistan also called upon all parties involved in the Syrian conflict to observe the international humanitarian law and help protect the common heritage of mankind respecting the sanctity of the holy buildings and places of worship.
Islamabad summoned the Syrian envoy a day after countrywide protests against the desecration of holy sites.
Protesters also staged a sit-in outside the foreign office on Sunday, urging the government to denounce the attacks and take up the matter with concerned authorities.
On Monday, reports emerged that the mosque where Khalid Bin Walid, a companion of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and commander of Muslim forces known for his military prowess and conquests, had been buried in Syria, had been damaged by military shelling.
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Treat it as a WAR CRIME
@mohammad taha both shrine are destroyed by terrorist such as FSA... not is an act of Syrian govt and for your information the majority in syrian army are sunni ... so don't spread sect or division . it is not a shia sinni war. it just western game to destabilise Syria like Egypt
only condemnation. im so tired of this Word which has no real action behind it. and what abt the muslims in thousands who have been killed, bombed, butchered etc. Not a single Word for them. shame on our media to hide such a massacre on muslims which has been going on for years now done by the bashar assad regime and miltary. people should read international news too to understand to what limit it has gone to in syria.
Someone in history noted: Near the end Muslims will turn to their own kind with so much hatred that leads to total destruction in all means & forms that even the enemy of Islam stop enjoying it but shiver with shock & awe. Muslims will take refuge with the enemies of Islam to protect their belief and their families from bloodshed and lawlessness in Muslim lands. There will be no place safe for a Muslim to live peacefully but in non-Muslim lands. Repentance & tolerance will be only path to salvation then.
@Muhammad Taha: shia must be punished for destroying khalid bin walid Mazaar.
FYI Khalid Bin Walid's mazar is the latest causality. Syrian rebels have been digging graves and attacking tombs for a while. A few days ago, bibi Zainab's tomb was attacked with rockets.
Regardless of the sect, these acts are extremely shameful and should be condoned by everyone.
I never knew Pakistanis are so cynical. It's a shame, their reaction to everything is the same; well, it happens in Pakistan too.
Although a direct and stupid effort by terrorists to harm such a sacred place, I am sure the Syrian government is capable of dealing with the moronic perpetrators., And in a way that we can all see. Question is when will the Pakistan Govt start dealing with our home grown groups like Lej, ssp, etc. in a similar manner. Just hot air from Pak govt as usual.
shia must be punished for destroying khalid bin walid Mazaar.
@Sonya, your comment?
In Ghalib's words:
I am wondering if Syrian ambassador asks back our diplomat: Your Highness! What about the blasts at various shrines all over Pakistan?
Too little too late.
Many banned outfits and their sympathizers in Pakistan sharing the same ideology of hate and bloodshed must be exalted by this heinous attack. It is shameful that the entire civilized world has become hostage to just one school of thought.
When is Pakistan going to condemn attacks on Pakistani holy (religious) sites?