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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan today (Sunday) has strongly condemned the systematic resurgence of blasphemous acts of republication of caricatures of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) and desecration of the Holy Quran under the garb of freedom of expression.
According to a statement, Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri 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 imperiling future prospects of peace and harmony among civilizations,”
“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,” he added.
The spokesperson further said that under international human rights law, the exercise of the right to freedom of expression carries with it special duties and responsibilities.
“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,” he clarified.
Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri also said, “Whilst having anti-blasphemy and criminal laws for sensitive issues such as a 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 spokesperson also highlighted Prime Minister Imran Khan’s speech at the 75th UN General Assembly session, in which the premier pointed out the recent incidents of Islamophobia and such unlawful provocations and urged the international community to take all necessary steps to universally outlaw wilful provocations and incitement to hate and violence.
“Pakistan has always supported and continues to lead international efforts for combating intolerance, discrimination and violence on the basis of religion or belief. We unequivocally condemn all acts of violence on the basis of religion or belief,” he concluded.
