Pakistan on Monday condemned the "excessive and unwarranted use of force" against the people of Jammu and Kashmir [Images] and expressed concern at reported attacks on the life and property of Muslims in the state.

In a statement, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed 'great sorrow and grief' at news of the death of All Parties Hurriyat Conference leader Shaikh Abdul Aziz during a protest.

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"We condole with the family of the deceased leader and the people of Kashmir," Qureshi said, adding that the Pakistan government "condemns the excessive and unwarranted use of force against the people" of Jammu and Kashmir.

"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. We call for immediate steps to end the violence against innocent Kashmiris," he said.

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Qureshi 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".

Earlier, in a separate statement, Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Sadiq expressed concern at reported attacks on the life and property of Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir and what it described as the community's "economic blockade by extremist elements".

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"Reportedly, the movement of trucks to and from the (Kashmir) valley is being blocked. This has serious humanitarian implications," Sadiq said.

Pakistan called for immediate steps to address the situation and "prevent human rights violations" in Jammu and Kashmir.