Dutch govt cancels profane caricatures contest after strong protest by Pak

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wildershas cancelled proposed blasphemous caricature competition after strong protest by government and people of Pakistan. The far-right politician, who is known for his incendiary speeches and protests against immigration and Islam announced cancellation of the contest planned for November citing strong reaction by the Muslims. An anti-Islam damned opposition leader in the Netherlands said that he was cancelling plans to stage a blasphemous caricatures contest, a scheme that had angered many Muslims particularly in Pakistan. The Dutch politician's announcement came after he said he had received several death threats. A man was arrested by police two days earlier on suspicion of wanting to assassinate Wilders. Meanwhile, Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that the country's ambassador to the Netherlands also confirmed cancellation of the controversial contest. "By the grace of Allah Almighty, the blasphemous cartoon contest issue has been resolved due to effective diplomatic efforts of the Federal Government. We must all work together to deny extremists on all sides the space and opportunity to spread hatred," the minister tweeted.  

Thank you to the Foreign Office team for their excellent team work. The diplomatic efforts achieved a great result for the Nation & Muslims across the world.

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) August 31, 2018

"Thank you to the Foreign Office team for their excellent team work. The diplomatic efforts achieved a great result for the Nation & Muslims across the world, Shah Menmood Qureshi said in another tweet  

Today as I take charge of the Foreign Office I am well aware of the challenges we face. The road ahead is not easy but we shall prevail, together, as one nation. Insha'Allah!

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) August 20, 2018

On the other hand, in his tweet, Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry said that the cancellation of the profane caricature contest is a the big success for Pakistan's government and the nation. He added that this was done by the prime minister's message and the foreign office contacted with Netherland government on the directions of Imran Khan.  

ہالینڈ میں گستاخانہ خاکوں کے مقابلے کی منسوخی پاکستان کی حکومت اور عوام کی بڑی کامیابی ہے ، آج وزیر اعظم کا پیغام اور ان کی ہدائیت پر وزارت خارجہ کے روابط اس کامیابی کا باعث بنے، عشق رسول سلامت رہے پاکستان زندہ باد۔

— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) August 30, 2018

After the announcement, the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) ended his protest against blasphemous caricature contest in Islamabad. Earlier in the month of June, Wilders was announced plans to stage the blasphemous competition in parliament later this year. He claimed he had received 200 entries. But Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte distanced his government from the cartoon competition, saying it was not a government initiative. Rutte last week said he supported free speech in the Netherlands but believed the competition was not respectful and aimed only to provoke.