ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday strongly condemned the “deliberate desecration” of the Quran by a US evangelical preacher in a church in Florida, calling it a setback for global efforts to promote harmony.

“We condemn this act in the strongest possible words,” President Asif Ali Zardari said during a televised address to the federal parliament.

The burning was carried out by pastor Wayne Sapp under the supervision of Terry Jones, who last year drew condemnation over his aborted plan to ignite a pile of the Islamic holy books to mark the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Jones was widely pilloried for his threats to carry out the Quran burning, including by US President Barack Obama.

“It is a serious set back to the efforts at promoting harmony among civilised communities throughout the world,” Zardari said asking the parliament to pass a resolution and urge the United Nations to address the issue.

Pakistani foreign ministry also condemned the desecration of the Quran as “despicable act.” “There could be no justification for such acts,” the ministry said.

“This has deeply hurt the feelings of the people of Pakistan and Muslims all over the world.”