By Imran Nasir

ISLAMABAD (TSAT) - Pakistan on Monday strongly condemned the recent abhorrent act of desecration of the Holy Quran during rallies in Sweden.

In a statement, Pakistan Foreign Ministry said, the country also strongly condemns the offensive remarks made by a Dutch politician [Rasmus Paludan], attacking Islam and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

“These mindless provocative Islamophobic incidents serve no purpose other than hurting the sensitivities of over 1.5 billion Muslims living all over the world,” said the ministry. 

Heavy clashes erupted in Sweden when a local anti-Muslim leader of the far-right Stram Kurs (Hard Line and extremist) party, Rasmus Paludan burned a copy of Quran, holy book of Muslims in southern Linkoping on Thursday.

So far, at least 40 people including 26 police officers and dozen vehicles burnt down by the protestors. 

“Such actions are not covered under legitimate expressions of the right to freedom of expression or opinion, which carry responsibilities under international human rights law, such as the obligation not to carry out hate speech and incite people to violence,” said the Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesman Asim Iftikhar Ahmad.

“Muslims, including in Pakistan, unequivocally condemn the practice of insulting Islam, Christianity and Judaism alike, and stand against all acts of violence on the basis of religion or belief. These principles must be equally respected and supported by all,” he added.

Pakistan called on the international community to show a common resolve against xenophobia, intolerance and incitement to violence on the basis of religion or belief, and work together for promoting inter-faith harmony and peaceful co-existence.

Recently, the UN General Assembly adopted an OIC’s resolution led by Pakistan to designate 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.  

Pakistan Foreign Ministry said they conveyed their concerns to the authorities in Sweden and The Netherlands and they have been urged to take cognizance of the sentiments of the people of Pakistan and the Muslims worldwide and take steps to prevent Islamophobic incidents.

“We call on the international community to demonstrate solidarity and commitment to the ideals of building peaceful and harmonious societies for the betterment of humanity,” Ahmad concluded.