ISLAMABAD: (HRNW) Pakistan strongly condemns the abhorrent act of desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden, the Foreign Office said in a statement.
The Foreign Office spokesperson said the “senseless and provocative Islamophobic act” has hurt the religious sensitivities of over 1.5 billion Muslims around the world.
“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 statement said.
“Islam is a religion of peace and Muslims, including in Pakistan, believe in respecting all religions. These principles must be supported by all,” it added.
The spokesperson said the international community needs to show a common resolve against Islamophobia, xenophobia, intolerance and incitement to violence on the basis of religion or belief, and work together for promoting inter-faith harmony and peaceful coexistence.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan’s concerns are being conveyed to the authorities in Sweden. It urged to be mindful of the sentiments of the people of Pakistan and Muslims worldwide and take steps to prevent Islamophobic acts.
Meanwhile, Turkiye has also condemned the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran during a protest in Sweden, describing it as a “vile act”. It said the Swedish government’s decision to allow a protest in Stockholm was completely unacceptable.
Turkiye called off a visit by Sweden’s Defence Minister, Pal Jonson, saying the trip had “lost its significance and meaning”.
It has objected to the Scandinavian country joining the NATO military alliance. Turkiye wants political concessions, including the deportation of critics of President Erdogan and Kurdish dissidents.
In a deplorable act, Rasmus Paludan, a politician from the far-right Stram Kurs (Hard Line) party, burnt a copy of the Holy Quran during the protest on Saturday afternoon outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm.