Pakistan summons French envoy, records strong protest over blasphemous caricatures
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) summoned the French ambassador to Pakistan Marc Baréty Monday to record a strong protest against the blasphemous caricatures of Last Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) in French magazines, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Pakistan also lodged a strong protest against the remarks made by French President Macron. MOFA said Pakistan concerned over linking Islam with terrorism for political gains.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in a statement said that the caricatures have sparked anger among the Muslim community across the globe and demanded the United Nations (UN) to take action in this regard.
He said that the irresponsible statements of France President Emmanuel Macron have further intensified the matter. No one will be allowed to hurt the emotions of the Muslims, he clarified.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that increasing incidents of anti-Islam are unacceptable.
The seeds of hate that are being cultivated today will polarize the society and have serious consequences, he said.
On the instructions of the PM, the minister said a comprehensive resolution will be presented at the next meeting of the OIC foreign ministers, proposing to observe 15th March as the international day against Islamophobia.
Earlier, MOFA in a statement issued said Pakistan condemned in the strongest manner the systematic resurgence of blasphemous acts of republication of caricatures of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) and desecration of the Holy Quran by certain irresponsible elements in some developed countries.
“We are further alarmed at highly disturbing statements by certain politicians justifying such heinous acts under the garb of freedom of expression and equating Islam with terrorism, for narrow electoral and political gains,” the statement reads.
Under international human rights law, the exercise of the right to freedom of expression carries with it special duties and responsibilities.
“Such illegal and Islamophobic acts fanning inter-religious hatred, hostility and confrontation, are the very basis of horrendous terrorist acts like Christ Church, thereby imperilling future prospects of peace and harmony among civilizations,” MOFA Spokesperson said.