ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan and Iran on Monday condemned Britain's award of a knighthood to author Salman Rushdie as an affront to Muslim sentiments.

Iran's late spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, issued a 1989 fatwa, or religious edict, saying author’s killing is must because his book, "The Satanic Verses," insulted Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP).

Britain's envoy defended the decision to honor Rushdie.

Britain on Saturday announced the knighthood in an honors list timed for the official celebration of the queen's 81st birthday.

Lawmakers in Pakistan's lower house of parliament on Monday passed a resolution proposed by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sher Afgan Khan Niazi.

"The 'sir' title from Britain for blasphemer Salman Rushdie has hurt the sentiments of the Muslims across the world. Every religion should be respected. I demand the British government immediately withdraw the title as it is creating religious hatred," Niazi told the National Assembly.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said Rushdie was "one of the most hated figures" in the Islamic world.

Spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini portrayed the decision as an act directed against Islam by Britain, which is among world powers involved in an escalating standoff with Iran over Tehran's disputed nuclear ambitions.