PM condemns desecration of Holy Quran in Sweden

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Sunday condemned act of desecration of the Holy Quran by a right-wing extremist in Sweden.

Turning to Twitter, he said no words are enough to adequately condemn the abhorrable act.

The Prime Minister said: “The garb of the freedom of expression cannot be used to hurt the religious emotions of 1.5 billion Muslims across the world,” stating the act as unacceptable.

No words are enough to adequately condemn the abhorrable act of desecration of the Holy Quran by a right-wing extremist in Sweden. The garb of the freedom of expression cannot be used to hurt the religious emotions of 1.5 billion Muslims across the world. This is unacceptable.

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) January 22, 2023

Earlier on Saturday, Ministry of Foreign Affair strongly condemned the abhorrent act of desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that this senseless and provocative Islamophobic act hurts the religious sensitivities of over 1.5 billion Muslims around the world.

She said: “Such actions are not covered under any legitimate expression of the right to freedom of expression or opinion, which carries responsibilities under international human rights law, such as the obligation not to carry out hate speech and incite people to violence”.

The Spokesperson stated that Islam is a religion of peace and Muslims, including in Pakistan, believe in respecting all religions, adding that these principles must be supported by all.

Zahra added, “The international community needs to show a common resolve against Islamopohbia, xenophobia, intolerance and incitement to violence on the basis of religion or belief, and work together for promoting inter-faith harmony and peaceful coexistence”.

She further added that the Pakistan’s concerns are being conveyed to the authorities in Sweden. We urge them to be mindful of the sentiments of the people of Pakistan and the Muslims worldwide and take steps to prevent Islamophobic acts.