Pakistan strongly condemns systemic Islamophobic campaign
ISLAMABAD (92 News) - Pakistan has condemned systematic Islamophobic campaign under the garb of freedom of expression.
In a statement, the Foreign Office (FO) said Pakistan condemns in the strongest manner the systematic resurgence of blasphemous acts of republication of caricatures of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) 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," It said.
It said under international human rights law, the exercise of the right to freedom of expression carries with it special duties and responsibilities.
The FO said dissemination of racist ideas, defamation and ridiculing of other religions, denigration of religious personalities, hate speech, and incitement to violence are not allowed expressions of this fundamental freedom.
It said 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.
Whilst having anti-blasphemy and criminal laws for sensitive issues such as denial of Holocaust, the justification by a few politicians in some Western countries for insulting sentiments of Muslims, is a blatant reflection of double standards. The Foreign Office statement said that such justifications seriously erode their human rights credentials.
It said Pakistan has always supported and continues to lead international efforts for combating intolerance, discrimination and violence on the basis of religion or belief. Both in our national capacity as well as part of the OIC group, we have advocated arduously for the alliance of civilizations and developing mutual understanding and respect for all religions, faiths and beliefs.
The statement said we unequivocally condemn all acts of violence on the basis of religion or belief.
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