By Imran Nasir

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday urged the OIC member states to step up their efforts and take strong action against India as lives of millions Muslims are in risk.

In a statement, issued by the Pakistan Foreign Ministry, the country's top diplomat Bilawal Bhutto Zardari spoke with the OIC Secretary General, Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha on telehpone and discussed the ongoing situation after Indian ruling party leaders insulted to Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).

"The conversation focused on the series of Islamophobic actions by the ruling dispensation in India, in particular the derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) made by two senior officials of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP)," according to the statement.

Pakistan Foreign Minister observed that the derogatory remarks made by the high-ranking BJP officials had deeply hurt the sentiments of the Muslims around the globe. He noted that the BJP’s attempted clarification, and the belated and perfunctory ‘disciplinary’ action against the responsible individuals, could not assuage the pain and anguish they had caused to the Muslim world.

He strongly condemned the high-handed treatment by the Indian authorities of the peaceful protests after Friday prayers over the derogatory remarks, which was the latest manifestation of the Indian government’s ongoing persecution of Muslims.

The Foreign Minister urged the OIC and its Member States to step up their efforts for protecting the life, dignity, property, culture, heritage and religious freedoms of the Indian Muslims. He further urged the Organization to take immediate cognizance of the aggravating situation of Islamophobia in India.

The OIC Secretary General expressed deep concern over the insulting remarks, as well as the unending plight of Indian Muslims. OIC was sensitive to the growing trend of Islamophobia and the need to take collective action to combat it.

Both sides recalled the resolutions and pronouncements of the UN and OIC on Islamophobia, and decided to remain in contact to explore avenues of combatting Islamophobia in India, and mitigating the sufferings of Indian Muslims.