- RSS
- Today's Paper
- Subscribe
- beta 2.1
Alerts
Imran Khan likens Muslim sentiment for blasphemy to Jews' for holocaust
Says Waziristan rally on October 7 to include international journalists, human rights organisations.
Says Waziristan rally on October 7 to include international journalists, human rights organisations. PHOTO: ONLINE/FILE
CHITRAL: Touching upon the sensitive issue of the blasphemous film that has generated massive protests by Muslims everywhere, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan likened the sentiments of Muslims for blasphemy with that of the Jews’ for the holocaust and asked for similar rights with regard to hate speech.
Speaking in Chitral and taking the Jewish Holocaust as an example, Khan said that people in Europe can be jailed for just questioning the actuality of the massacre because it hurt the sentiments of the Jews.
“We are also being hurt in the name of ‘freedom of speech’,” said Khan. “We will also get the same law implemented for us in the West,” he added.
Khan said that the people of the West were ignorant of Islam and it was their ignorance which was being manipulated by the people spreading hate against the religion.
“They do not know how much we love our beloved Prophet (pbuh) … that Muslims are willing to sacrifice their lives for him,” said Khan.
“I take the responsibility to educate them about how much we love our beloved Prophet (pbuh),” he said.
Waziristan rally
About the rally to Waziristan on October 7, Khan said it would include journalists and human rights organisations, who would tell the world what was really happening in drone strikes and who the actual victims of it were.
He said drone attacks were not just killing militants; they were killing innocents including women and children.
He said that the PTI would take Pakistan’s biggest rally ever to Waziristan along with journalists and human rights organisations from foreign countries so they could show the people there what was truly happening in these drone strikes.
Speaking on the ‘war on terror’, Khan said: “Taking part in America’s war has destroyed us.”
“Every month we are spending Rs90 billion on this war,” he said, adding that people were dying and money was being wasted because of it.
“When a person’s family dies, he picks up arms in revenge and uses it against his own countrymen,” said Khan, adding that America’s war was killing Pakistanis on both sides.
“We will let the people there [abroad] know what is happening in this war because this war will only end when the people of the US and UK protest against it,” said Khan.
Criticising political parties, Khan said: “No other party has the courage to go to Waziristan.”
The new Pakistan and people’s rights
Addressing other issues and promising a new Pakistan, Khan talked about development, education, jobs and hospitals in Chitral.
He promised the people of Chitral that PTI would work on their development so they would not have to rush back and forth to Peshawar.
He said that as per its economic policy, PTI would generate jobs for them, create hospital and colleges.
The PTI chief said that at least 3000MW of electricity could be generated from the springs of Chitral.
“You should not be facing loadshedding,” said Khan. “Every spring can generate electricity … Chitral can progress and cheap electricity will take you forward.”
He added that the royalties from the generated electricity could be used to make universities so the Chitrali youth would not have to go elsewhere to study.
Speaking on development in Chitral, Khan said that the lack of progress on the Lowari tunnel was not due to monetary problems.
“There was money but it went into their pockets; it went out of the country,” he said.
“You all want change, a new Pakistan, a just system, release from old politicians,” said Khan, adding that this was what PTI was offering.
He said that PTI would ensure the development funds would go to the locals and they would get to decide where that money should be spent.
Speaking on elections within the PTI itself, he said that no other party was doing this either. He urged the people to participate in the elections, telling them that they could be leaders as well.
“But whoever comes in this team will play according to our rules, our laws,” said Khan.
“Those who do will help us make a new Pakistan, if not they will respectfully be let go of.”
Reader Comments (197)
Pakistan Latest Stories
Age is just a number: I am still young, insists 85-year-old Qaim Ali Shah
Shah asks court not to withhold results, but refer complaints to tribunals.
Tailor issued notice for ruining clothes
Petitioner prayed the court to direct Ali to pay Rs50,000 as damages.
Team work: SSP told to withdraw case against colleague
The SSP was summoned on Friday and directed to withdraw the case against the petitioner.
Currency: Rupee strengthens against dollar
Overnight rates in the money market rose to 9.50% from Thursday’s close of 9.40%.
Inflation: Index up 0.11% during week
The SPI for combined groups was up by 0.11 %; up from 192.01 points in the previous week to 192.23 points this week.
Seminar : Women empowerment and tax reform
Participants of the seminar say economic empowerment of women is one of the many strategies to elevate their status.
Seminar: Youth urged to think out-of-the-box
A poster competition and logo design contest was also held among the students.
LWMC ratifies waste management treaty
The participants at the conferences commended the LWMC’s operations in Lahore.
65-year-old eyes a 6th academic degree
Abbasi already has master’s degrees in Persian, history, political science, education and Pakistan studies.
Imran demands thumb print verification of votes in four constituencies
Urges CJP to take action against returning officers who were allegedly involved in rigging.
Recent Slideshows
More in Pakistan
10-year-old boy killed, six injured in Karachi cylinder blast
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, redistributed or derived from.
Unless otherwise stated, all content is copyrighted © 2013 The Express Tribune News Network.
Technical feedback? [email protected]
It’s dangerous for Pakistanis to vote for this guy. He has no intention at all to remove the blasphemy law but keeps on talking about ‘misuse’. His understanding of the situation is very superficial. He believes that Salman Taseer and Shahbaz Bhatti were killed because they were “pro-American and anti-Islam” instead of seeing them as people trying to protect their own community/constituency.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0M4vmU0Wk8
Recommend
What a foolish and immature comparison made by Imran Khan. The Holocaust is a event where millions of Jews were slaughtered for their beliefs. To liken that with blasphemy is like comparing apples with oranges. I expected better!Recommend
So do you mean you will protect the rights of Jews if you are elected?
Recommend
Wow! Spoken like a true leader – very courageous of him to speak out loud for Islam. God bless Imran.
Recommend
Khan is right.
However, I have not seen Jews burning down embassies, killing people, destroying properties of Iranians, because Ahmadinejad denies Holocaust.
Imran Khan, you are leading a country of already failed people into further chaos. This path is dangerous.
Recommend
is it ‘linked’ or likened?Recommend
In the Holocaust, 6 million innocent jews died. 6 MILLION! In rhe anti-Islam blaphemous material some people have died mostly due to raging salafi mobs. How are two comparable? I am shocked by the daily doses of wisdom coming from Kaptaan. However, I dont think we can make the PTI supporters understand this simple fact. They will start their hero worshipping in any case. Recommend
@…
Why only jews? Why not rights of all?
Recommend
The difference between holocaust and blasphemy is :
In holocaust the jews got killed/murdered…in blasphemy the “others” get killed/murdered, not the muslims! Besides. when someone blathers offensive anti-Semitic or pro-holocaust remarks, jewish mob doesnt go on rampage and blow up the embassies and the diplomats.
Recommend
Too many Muslims are taking the holocaust lightly by making such silly comparisons. The excesses of the holocaust represent the Worst, most ugly face of humanity. Let Imran Khan know that the holocaust is not a doctrine but historical fact.Recommend
What a comparison. I hope Ahmadenijad is not tutoring you these days. And what is this jail thing in Europe for questioning holocaust? Misleading the poor masses.
Recommend
May I point out that the Jews have never murdered an ambassador just because his countrymen said the holocaust didn’t happen?Recommend
I deny holocaust.
Recommend
Mr Tsunami is sounding more and more bizarre with each passing day. And the sheep in the land of the pure think he will lead the country out of the present mess. Yeah Right!
Recommend
What about the “Holocaust” of the minorities in Pakistan in the name of religion and blasphemy law, which is indeed a true parallel here. Again a cheap statement for the consumption of delusional religious right, which already thinks everything in the entire universe is conspiring against them.
Recommend
when a person,s family dies, he picks up arms in revenge and uses it against his own countrymen
Imran khan on this principle the entire nation should pick up arms against Taliban because how many innocents they have killed in bomb blasts including women and children. why dont you side with the victims on this side. are you ready to take their revenge and lead them against talibans.
Recommend
All those so called muslims , who are very soft on this act of jews are very wrong because i saw that clip-age and believe me it is made purely and totally rubbish and to hummilate the best ever human. they showed very very disrespecting thing in that clipage which i can’t even mention here. so what muslims did i support them because if America which tries to prove herself the godfather of every nation have stopped and punished them for this act conversely they actually did nothing on it rather they supported the make of movie.
Recommend
Respect for any Prophet is far higher than an false event. What he wanted to tell west the similarity and punished for an act though we should ask for much severe. In old times, muslims and non muslims lived together and prayed in Jeruselum.
Recommend
There are over a billion Hindus in this world, for whom cow is sacred and people butchering and eating it hurts their sentiment. Can Imran Khan please pass a law in Pakistan (if not in the west as well) that eating beef is illegal, when he comes to power?. If you Muslims expect the entire world to be respectful of you beliefs and cant stand anyone saying anything against, then I guess you should also be respectful of others sentiments as well! Or is it that you are the only guys with any rights to live as u like in this world? Time for you all to know that the world has a population of 7 billion and you make only 1.6 billion of it.. and there are bound to be some percentage of 5.4 billion people who would make fun of ur beliefs.. but then if something hurts ur sentiment and you go on killing innocents for it, it wont sit well with the majority of the world who otherwise would have be neutral.. it would only lead to more alienation of Muslims and the rest of the world being less and less sympathetic towards them.. Recommend
Clear and precise today, Mr Khan.
Recommend
And the appeasement contest between PTI and PML-N starts now!
Recommend
Misleading title….once again.
Recommend
@JoinHands!:
An absurd comparison. Expected something better from IK. Only shows his ignorance.Recommend
@Usama:
@IceSoul:
@observer:
@…:
Oh come on he’s making a valid point. It’s like mentioning the horrible events of Holocaust and if the concerned people are reminded about it again then one must see their tolerance similarly blasphemy is worst then Holocaust because we love our beloved PROPHET(May Peace Be Upon Him) and can never tolerate someone making a mockery out of it.
Recommend
I fully endorse IK’s statement.
@observer
You, obviously, are impressed by propaganda against Ahmadenijad in the western media. You can dislike his statements /views but just search they way this guy lives despite being president of one of the biggest country of the region. His lifestyle puts to shame the leader of ‘so called’ Muslim countries including Pakistan.
Recommend
@JoinHands!:
Wow! Spoken like a true leader – very courageous of him to speak out loud for Islam.
You got to be kidding us. Do you really believe in what you typed? In Pakistan, you need courage to talk for against the holocaust of minorities, the atrocities perpetuated in the name of blasphemy law, the genocide of Shias.
The kind of courage you are talking about is abundance in Pakistan. The Mullahs, the TTP, and the fanatics exhibit it on a daily basis. They must be your “true leaders” too.
Recommend
@IceSoul
Then go troll on Libya’s forums. Pakistan and Libya is separated by a thousand miles..
Recommend
Now this is what i call an educated leader. And I am hopefull that he will bring a good and great change.
Recommend
Tell our president to talk like him if he can..
Recommend
He sounds exactly like Jamaat-e-Islami. What’s the difference?
Recommend
I just dont understand why most of the readers are so ignorant.
All Imran wants to say is that “Just like talking about Holocaust is a crime in the westertn world and protected by law, similarly, insulting the great prophets and leaders should also be protected by law in the west”.
Recommend
@usama @… what he meant is that if jews dont allow freedom of speech on even question holocaust then why when sentiments are muslims are damaged by such act they call it freedom of speech….
Recommend
@ IM the Dim,
where did you see Jews rioting and burning embassies for avenging Holocaust?
Recommend
The United States of America is playing a game against the Muslims and this is very clear from this statement made by the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The film that has denigrated the Islamic Prophet should be banned. Freedom of Speech and Expression does not justify an expression that is derogatory or hurting to any religious sentiments. This film is unacceptable and should be banned. Republic of India which is also a democracy has banned the book SATANIC VERSES written by Salman Rushdie hence there is no reason why The United States of America cannot do so. The intention of the US is clear that they do not wish to ban such films that are anti-Islamic as their ulterior intentions are to move outright against the Islamic World. No doubt Islamic Fundamentalism deserves to be crushed and those who support it should meet with a similar fate and there comes no question of human rights for those Islamic Fundamentalists nevertheless the fact cannot be denied that all Muslims are not fundamentalists or fanatic hence the entire race cannot be treated as criminals or a threat to humanity. Hurting or encouraging derogatory views against Islam is being unreasonable and the US should refrain from such acts. The producer or producers and director of this film should be brought to the books and legal action should be taken by the Government of The United States of America. As regards the ban on the Indian writer Salman Rushdie the ‘Fatwa’ should be waived of by the Islamic Government of Iran and their clergy which will show their consideration towards such a writer. The film that has denigrated the Prophet Mohammad has been made with the intention to hurt the Islamic sentiments of those who practice this faith and this is most unfortunate an act that should be condemned. US showing their inability to act is certainly not a weakness of the state but a clear indication that they want to go outright against the Muslims of the world.
Recommend
Almost 300 dead in the factory fire and all this guy can do is hype up some absurd ideological warfare, extremely insensitive. Also, blaming and protesting against the entire west for a film created by some hate-mongering lunatics is just like people discriminating against all Muslims for the acts of a few extremists (which is mostly his argument against Islamophobia), How he graduated from Oxford with an immature brain like his I’ll never know, shows how much money can buy..Recommend
@Usama you English is good but your Urdu is poor …have you heard what Imran khan said in Chitral? He actually said if anybody in Europe or West speaks against holocaust, he can be imprisoned because according to their law it hurts the sentiments of Jews…so similarly we muslims feel the pain when anybody insults Islam OR Our prophet, so a uniform laws should be made in west to stop these abuse in the name of Freedom. People in the west have different approach to religion and Muslims have different approach to their religion. For Muslims it is a way of life.
Recommend
@Usama USA has killed a million Muslims too worldwide. So protest against them is justified.
Recommend
@Usama:
Small wonder For you people violation of human rights, faith and religious rights is always like comparing apples and oranges, Imrans argument is logical, analytical and comprehensive. If holocaust is hurting the sentiments of millions of jews then violation of blesphamy laws is crucifying sentiments of billions of muslims. Your notion is preposterous and Imran’s courageous statement is perfectly correct.
Recommend
It is not the Muslims rather arms merchants controlled western leaders are responsible for
destroying religious harmony in the world. Education system in the West is teaching that they are the best human and in this way creating racism. Let people of all religions be united against religious fanataics and arms mechants who are testing the efficacy of their arms is several Muslim countries, Go ahead Imran Khan.
Mahboob
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Recommend
@observer,
If you have ever been to England and have surfed time in searching pages of history, you will be discouraged and be jailed if you came out with the facts different than the officially quoted. I can vouch, you get ten different stories of Holocaust if you really look in to this event, but you cant challenge it or else you can be ‘Jailed’!
Recommend
Where was IK, in Rimsha’s case?????????????
Very right, why only jews? Why not rights of all??? For sure misleading the poor and illiterate masses, creating a bias amongst communities!Recommend
@ Usama,
It is about hurting religious sentiments, you can do it in a different way depending on which nerve you pick of the religious people ( not just Muslims), For Jews you can hurt them through discussing Holocaust
Recommend
Confused minds are criticizing here without knowing what IK said..In US they have laws that there cant be any discussion on holocaust so all he is asking that if US has laws for Hate speech against Jews,US should also make laws for hate speech against Muslims..Whts wrong in that statement..
Recommend
First implement sharia in Pakistan.
Recommend
By age he is getting more & more religious and jamaati type thinker rather then liberal, democratic and free thinker. i don’t consider him same leader anymore cause he is play’ing with people sentiments by preaching islam and taking about these kind of events for politics purposes.
Recommend
@Usama: This is called reasoning and negotiations. Go read the pacts our Prophet (PBUH) did with Jews and the non Muslims of his age! Your comment does not make sense!
Recommend
“They do not know how much we love our beloved Prophet (pbuh) … that Muslims are willing to sacrifice their lives for him,” said Khan.
not sacrifice their lives, but certainly take the lives of others!
Jews do not go around killing people for real or suspected holocaust denial. Recommend
@Fed Up Indian:
Its Dangerous for those who want Pakistan to fail….like some Indians like you….not to those who want Pakistan to succeed..
Recommend
Rubbish. In the USA you can deny the holocaust, dress up in a Nazi uniform and protest outside a Jewish Synagogue and otherwise prove to the World your a bigoted jerk – it’s called freedom of speech an it’s considered a basic right under the Constitution. What you can’t do is physically harm or threaten to harm anyone – offensive language is not a legal justification for attacking/harming someone – no exceptions.
Recommend
this guy caressing mullahs/right wingers by one hand and army by other hand.
he will flop.
Recommend
ppl who r talkn abt IK in bad manner either r fools or r paid to do this. U guys dont get wht he is sayin? He is sayin tht if anyone denies HOLOCAUST in europe he is jailed and if anyone does abuse our beloved prophet so the reacions are as bad as jews reaction of HOLOCAUST, he s sayin tht if jewe cant bear a thing like HOLOCAUST how can anyone who is Nuslim can bear anyone abusing his Belovee Prophet? Understand wht he is sayin, dont judge him like u r all intellectuals he knws more thn u becuz he has been in thm and thy accepted him where as all of u r called PAKISTANIS and r abbbused to death by thm. Dont judge think b4 u leap, Recommend
@Hurting_Sentiments!!:
First pass such laws in India before commenting
Recommend
so many people in this forum has a comprehension problem. it is not the comparison of two events … it is the comparison of sentiments.. which are alike for two different events.. whoever is ranting against IK, here i suggest to go to youtube and post a video against jews… or try to make page against jews etc… your account will be blocked at once… while everybody is at large to speak against our prophet (PBUH) and youtube/ facebook allows it,… shame..
Recommend
@Zalim Singh: Can’t you see them burning the whole world but silently.
Recommend
@Usama: he is only highlighting the commonality “hurting of sentiments at mass level” between the two episodes… it’s not comparing apples with oranges.
Recommend
All you liberals what you’re commenting while hiding inside you homes. why don’t you shout your exact words on the streets of Pakistan. It will be fun you know.
Recommend
America has no such laws. Imran Khan betrays his ignorance.
Recommend
IK u dare to enter in the US ambsessy along witn Hafiz Saeed in protest and see the result .
Recommend
So if West decides to enact anti-blasphemy laws to protect the sentiments of Muslims, I trust the Islamic countries would return the favor by enacting laws against holocaust denial to protect the sentiments of Jewish people.
Am I right?
Recommend
@Anti-mullah: That’s my point Mr. Anti Mullah, if u cared to read my entire comment and tried to understand it… That u cannot just pass laws upon laws to appease a few… people need to be tolerant.. if something hurts a few in some pockets of the world, u cant pass a law all over the world.. If Muslims make up 1.6 billion of the world and expect a law be passed for them, what if Christians, who make up 2.4 billion of the world, say that they believe in only Jesus as their God and anyone else who prays to any other God is disrespecting their god and hurting their sentiments and want to pass a law as such, what will u have to say? would u support it? would it make sense? And the law abt speaking against holocaust is effective in only a few countries which were either directly involved or are neighbouring countries, not the entire world.
For that matter you guys do have ur own blasphemy laws dont you? dont expect to enforce that on the whole world!
Recommend
@Cautious: Socially, economically & politically, developing countries are very much different from the US… can’t compare the two… US has it’s 200 years history of butchering the Red Indians and Blacks before sanity and decency finally prevailed… i suppose the reaction would have relatively muted had hundreds of thousands of Muslims has not been killed in the US-led Iraq and Afghanistan war … i suppose the US is providing ample opportunities to the radical elements to ignite hatred against the US.
Recommend
Yesterday in his interview, Mr. Mohsin-e-Pakistan of TTP called Imran Khan an immature politician, who has no clue of anything. Imran, with this statement proved Mohsin-e-Pakistan right.
Recommend
@zeeshan sheikh:
“All you liberals what you’re commenting while hiding inside you homes. why don’t you shout your exact words on the streets of Pakistan. It will be fun you know.”
Threats of violence? Why cannot your arguments stand on their own merit?
Recommend
@Zalim Singh:
Jews as its happens Zionist Jew mostly (not that living in Iran) after the Houlocast went sent to Palestine where they got a strip of land of about more or less size of soccer field which they are expanding till this day by invading ransacking, to the size of what is now ISRAEL….. O but you came out the rock yesterday ….
Recommend
He didn’t have even a slight knowledge about such matters. The Holocaust is a event where millions of Jews were slaughtered for their beliefs. To liken that with blasphemy is like comparing apples with oranges. I advise him to keep him away from giving such pathetic statements. Recommend
And ya, there are NO LAWS IN THE US against Holocaust denial.
Recommend
@Zeeshan Sheikh: You have shown with your comment that you have strayed far from the path of Islam? Did the Hazrat Muhammad PBUH kill anyone for voicing his views, whether on the street or in his home?
Recommend
@zeeshan sheikh:
You said it.!!! …..its easy and cozy for these Laptop “Evolutionaries”……
Recommend
@IceSoul:
oh comeon french designer Galliano was convicted just because of derogatory remarks against jews .. even though he was drunk …
Recommend
I think what he means is that just as in several Western countries it is a punishable crime to deny the Holocaust (which goes against the ‘freedom of speech’ principle), so should blasphemy should be disallowed. There is of course, NO comparison between now and the atrocities that were committed against the Jews by Hitler. I think that when it comes some extremely sensitive issues like blasphemy, there should be a limit on the freedom of expression. Just my opinion.Recommend
I fully endorse IK’s views; Bravo IK!
Recommend
@Mj:
@Cautious:
Ummm…he never mentioned America. Please do try and read the piece before going ballistic. Furthermore, he never equated blasphemy with the Holocaust. Again, read the piece before making even greater fools of yourselves, thanks.
Recommend
@IMRAN KHAN FAN:
We are not paid for your kind info. I had great respect for IK. But day by day he is talking insanity and looks like he is very confused. What has happened to his leadership qualities. What a disappointment!Recommend
Here he goes again……
Recommend
For people specifically the ignorant ones,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holocaustdenial#LawsagainstHolocaustdenial
I m so sick of this ignorance, that i’m not going to give any more energy in explanation of what Khan meant than what I already have..
Recommend
As usual misleading title by ET. IK pointed out that you cannot question or debate Holocaust. He was talking about freedom of expression here.
Recommend
he is not comparing ‘holocaust and blasphemy’. he is comparing ‘denial of holocaust and blasphemy’. one can be jailed in Europe “for just questioning the actuality of the massacre because it hurt the sentiments of the Jews”. the same law should be applied to the one who speaks nonsense about the Prophet, let alone making blasphemous movies.
Recommend
Tehreek Insaf chairman wants roots of his party in the tribal areas,
just like Pakistan Peoples Party in Sindh,Muslim League (n) in Punjab
and MQM in Karachi and adjacent areas.
If he succeeded in his mission there would be no single party who make
government in the center there be chances of coalition in the center forever.
It would also be not favorable regarding the national unity.
Recommend
Imran khan is right. I am amazed still the liberal fascist are getting mad for no good reason. Still waiting any comment from Asma Jahangir, Marvi sermad and others .. but they can not “Naraz” to their Aqqa United State of Cults.
Recommend
Imran Khan speaks different language when interviewed on Indian news channels which changes dramatically on Pak news channels. My reading is that his views are more honest in India but he plays real or some may call it dirty politics in Pakistan to garner more votes for his party. He is proving himself as a seasoned politician and whether it would work for his objective or not, only time will tell.
Recommend
@Manoj Joshi India:
It is a perverted logic to say that the US should ban the film because, India as a democracy, has done that. India has banned the film because its perception of freedom of expression is different from that in the US where free speech is an inalienable right and not just a law! Secondly, the US has no leverage to stop the film producers (whose film, I will make it clear, is a cheap, offensive and tasteless stunt) or even think of prosecuting them. India, on the other hand with nearly 190 mlllion Muslims and home to the world’s second largest Muslim population, has to play to what is known as “vote bank gallery”. The ruling Congress Party, which has continued with the old British divide-and-rule strategy to stay in power, has been playing this game for decades. The Indian public is seeing through these designs — and so do the critical, educated and secular-minded Muslims who are getting fed up being little pawns in the game. Indeed, some have even allied themselves with mainstream Hindu politicians. I wish Mr. Joshi (if that is your real name) was more attuned to the ground realities than rant about the wrongs done to the Muslims. He is offering fodder to the gullible, uneducated and easily-aroused Muslims who have very often been used by their clerics to unleash mob violence and cause destruction in the name of religion. Muslims would get greater sympathy from the rest of the world if they defended the minorities in their own countries where they face blatant persecution and violence because of their religious beliefs. If Muslims were so sensitive about their religious beliefs, they would also do well — in the name of honesty and fairness (if these attributes are known to those who throw stones and kill innocents) to respect the sentiments of the minorities in Muslim countries where their rights are trampled upon by the majority. Pakistan’s history is full of cases such as those of Rimsha, the 11 year old mentally-challenged Christian girl who was very nearly killed by a scheming and totally dishonest mullah, or the 14 year old Hindu girl, who was abducted, forcibly converted and then — shame! — married to a much older man. Mr. Imran Khan’s “passion” about equality is hypocrisy. how long this country will continue to exist with its present state. Mr. Khan, in the views of many who know him well, is even worse than the current tribe of politicians and mullahs who rule Pakistan.Recommend
Do the Jews go an violent rampage with death threats against holocaust deniers? No one controls internet . There is hate speech by crackpots against every religion and race. Response against offensive material by certain sections of Muslims is different compared to other religions. can someone enlighten me as to why the response is different?
Recommend
Just keep in mind only one thing: Almighty Allah created this world only due to His beloved Prophet Muhammad PBUH. We are here in this world due to our Prophet PBUH. Our love for Him is beyond boundryies. We strongly condemn this hatred movie. Protests in Muslims countries are justified. But what we need is to act upon the teachings of our Prophet PBUH and learn from His holy life. Promoting Islam like Yazeed is never a part of our religion as some groups are trying to do in these days. Killing one innocent person is equal to the killing of entire humanity. But when somebody try to impose their power on Muslim nations then obviously Jihad is a key and duty of Muslims (Jiehad, in the form of army if that Muslim country have otherwise the people of that country and also for their Muslim brothers).
Recommend
Personally, I am not in favor of forbidding holocaust deniers to express their ill-informed opinion. Many people are hurt now and then by stupid opinions, but if they are grown-ups they know in their hearts that those people are often just ignorant. I only fight equals not ignorant people. But I am sorry to say that for non-believers Islam is just another superstition, whether you like it or not. Any prove that all your prayers are somewhere overheard and acted upon? If so I am a Muslim tomorrow. Have the poor been clothed and housed? Have their cancers been healed? What IK is doing is comparing things that can be verified with things that cannot. So IK wake up and keep your religion between you and the divine but don’t compare facts with fiction. Too many ill-informed are dying daily because of your basic logical mistakes. Try to be on the right side of humanity and history.
Recommend
@IceSoul:
FYI.. at the time when Muhammad PBUH Came back and Conquered Makkah, Forgave everyone EXCEPT some 11 persons… One of them was a woman she was executed as she was Charged with blasphemy…
Recommend
Khan is great but we should condemn the persons doing wrong rather County as a whole…This only helps those hatred culprits who are interested in polarized world, the world which is unstable, full of sectarianism, not good for any one…
Recommend
Now,I think those people must get hushed who used to blame Imran as Jews agent.
Can anyone dare talk this sensitive issue like Imran; no,never.
while others r silent Imran is defending the sacred truth, bravo, friend and foe both hav turned to discuss ur leadership for the tomorow of the land of pure.
your skills r trendsetters!!
Recommend
Khan is speaking about the sentiments. Jews are hurt when they are ridiculed because of their religion, similarly, many muslims feel the same way.
However, wrecking cars, burning property is not at all acceptable and should be classified under terrorism.
I think Khan is doing the right thing, we cannot expect the common people to be tolerant, moderation is induced slowly.
Recommend
He is making a conceptual comparison. The offense to Jews on defaming the Holocaust is conceptually similar to offense against the Prophet for Muslims. Those who are writing figures of people dead in Holocaust as a way to criticze Khan are notgetting his point. He is a courageous and remarkably insightful leader. The anxiety towards Khan reflects more than anything else the crisis of the Pakistani liberal elite. They need to think the question of religion in more conceptually sophisticated ways.
Recommend
I am stunned by the intellect of Noora professionals. IK has used Hcst as an analogy not a strict to senso comparison.
Recommend
Jews never attack embassies?!
You got to be kidding me. They are butchering, bombing Palestinians on daily basis. Remeber the Gaza massacre two years ago,Recommend
Imran Khan looks desperate day by day to get attention…
The more he speaks, the more of insanity you hear…
Think before you speak…Recommend
Khan Sahib, after reading your statement I think you have become a confused person,you want to give statement to stay in news. Please go to Waziristan., do some thing for them,build Hospital schools and set up some industry so they have work. Leave us with Zerdari ,Sharifs and Chowdaries.We will survive for another term of looters.
Recommend
@Fed Up Indian:
I am simply disgusted to see this clip. This guy is so naive but thinks that he is God’s gift to Pakistan if not to the whole world.
Recommend
he is a TV personality, not worth anything else
Recommend
Bang on ! Point well presented IK. Matter fact, no muslim will ever say anything uncivil about any prophet. To us they are all sacred. Why does rest of the world have a difficulty in understanding that? Truth is, a true muslim cannot hurt the feelings of any person – hindus included. To my friends across the border – please take it easy and stop spewing hatred.
Recommend
@Cautious:
In USA and EU, you just deny holocaust on facebook and other social media sites, then you will don’t know, what has happened to you. In the constitutions of USA and EU, you will be in jail for one year on the denial of holocaust.
If you don’t agree, just try to deny holocaust on social media in US and EU.
Recommend
For all those who ask when and how did the jews avenge the holocaust. The answer is quite simple. In a country called Palestine since 1948. All Israeli zionist have consistently hijacked all attempts to have an intellectual and truthful discourse on the holocaust. Little known and even less publicized fact is that the nazis killed more Russians than Jews in the 2nd world war. Even one of the israeli MP in recent years disputed the 6 million jews figure of the holocaust and said it was more likely 60,000. Despite this anyone caught uttering a word against the holocaust or Israel is branded ‘anti-semitic’ however when it comes to defaming consistently and continously Islam and its followers everything is allowed in the guise of free speech.
The best way out of this impasse is for the world to come together and mark red lines which should not be crossed by others.
Recommend
@Usama:
To understand it one should have brains. People with low IQ can always think of an apple and orange.
Recommend
@TightChxxx:
These Jews were 6 Million and there are more than 1 Billion Muslims in the world and all of the 1 Billion people are willing to die in the respect of our Prophet MUHAMMAD (PBUH). The movie played with the sentiments of more that 1 Billion people. So the Khan is right that there must have to be a law across Europe and USA to prevent this as there is a law in case of Holocaust denial.
Why there is a law that is giving protection to the sentiments of a few million people (Jews) and why there is not a law to give protection to the sentiments of more than 100 Million people?
Recommend
@ Fahad Raza
I guess you are still under a rock. Jews were original residents of Israel and most of Arabia. Islam was forced upon all in Arabia and genocides started on Jews. They are claiming back thier original lands.Recommend
lol
Recommend
i was looking for a condemnation from him. Something like – “Some ignorant americans have hurt feelings of Muslims all around the world by denigrating our beloved prophet. Those people in question should be dealt strictly by their government, however it is madness to kill innocent people because of that film. I condemn the embassy killings and would never stand for such cowards who kill innocent people in the name of religion.”
Recommend
BTW why is everybody dragging poor Jews into all this? The movie was a made by a coptic Egytian pornographic film producer and some evalegical christian right wing people (allied to Terry pastor). Jews have nothing to do with this either in producing it or acting it.
Recommend
“They do not know how much we love our beloved Prophet (pbuh) … that Muslims are willing to sacrifice their lives for him”
But why are they sacrificing other lives like this innocent US ambassador?
Recommend
@waqas: Fully agreed !!! bro
Recommend
@Usama:
I guess you don’t get his point since you think like a typical average man.
His point is Holocaust is a no go area for debate in the west , therefore defaming of prophet should be considered the same.
Recommend
@JustSaying:
well by in questioning holocaust you end up in jail in germany and britain.
also there are 1.6 billion muslims in the world. vs 20 millions jews.
you can get 100,000 muslims riled up easy especially if its the prophet and post 9-11 atmosphere.
Recommend
@Pakboy:
then people will deny our prophet. also holocaust happened , so denying it is insanity.
Recommend
@Sadia:
well they are busy killing palestinians if you have forgotton and anyone threatening israel.
Recommend
Atleasr he came out with a statement. What happened to all those in Power? Where is PPP. PMLN PMLQ Leadership??
Recommend
@Zalim Singh:
I said Zionist Jews read again…. And Who says they are the original Inhabitants of that land……. after the Holocaust mostly came from Europe where they lived. Muslim Arabs were the 98% of whats Israel now..Here you go
http://www.google.com.pk/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&biw=1280&bih=711&tbm=isch&prmd=imvnsu&tbnid=-bw8aOT5fvZe2M:&imgrefurl=http://www.kdsaccessories.com/israelioccupation.html&docid=ALGx8nFoD_bO3M&imgurl=http://www.kdsa
Now go and do some home work before you say some thing…Recommend
@pakistani: “@usama @… what he meant is that if jews dont allow freedom of speech on even question holocaust then why when sentiments are muslims are damaged by such act they call it freedom of speech….”
In US where this movie was made there are no holocaust denial laws, so the comparison is prima facie valid. Secondly in the couple of countries where the laws DO exist, you cannot deny holocaust in those countries media. But for example Iranian President does denyholocaust in Iran – those laws do not apply to him. So by the same token the blasphemy laws that apply in your country do not apply in other countries. Plus when Iran routinely denies holcaust, have you seen angry Germans or jews lynching others and killing unrelated Iranians? Finally the holocaust laws in Germany are for the protection of minority, the blasphemy laws in the Muslim world are for oppressing the minority. Huge difference.
Recommend
@EHM
Rubbish. There is no mention of the holocaust in the USA constitution and I will remind you that Columbia University invited Ahmadinejad to speak where he defended his view that the Holocaust was a fabrication. You have a computer I suggest you Google before you write.
Recommend
@waqas:
dying and killing yourself or others in the name of your prophet does not reflect well on your prophet and his teachings. Stop being the kind of followers you are if you want others to respect your teacher otherwise people will doubt your claim of Islam being a religion of Peace. Recommend
@EHM: “In the constitutions of USA and EU, you will be in jail for one year on the denial of holocaust.”
In US constitution there is reference to holocaust denial? Making stuff up are we? Please provide reference.
Recommend
@Ozymandias: “Ummm…he never mentioned America. ”
Imran implied that just as there are barriers of speech for holocaust denial there should be for blasphemy and if they existed, such films would not be made. In doing so, he is misleading people. This movie was not made in Germany, it was made in USA. So if US allows holocaust denial, why according to Khan’s comparison should they deny freedom of expression to this Egyptian American?
Recommend
What people should realize is that Holocaust denial laws in Europe can send people to prison for telling the truth. This really means that historians are prevented from researching what really happened to the Jewish community during WW2, and the world will only get the Jewish version. Now, although I admire Imran Khan, he is suggesting we expand Holocaust denial laws to include the Muslim religion, and I do not agree with that. Once you start including one group, then another, where do you stop with free speech. Jewish people are no more delicate than any other race and Holocaust denial laws should not have been introduced. It is my feeling that libel laws are reasonably robust, and introducing extra laws to protect the feelings of people are quite unnecessary. Recommend
@Tareen: “He is making a conceptual comparison. The offense to Jews on defaming the Holocaust is conceptually similar to offense against the Prophet for Muslims.”
The conceptual comparison is wrong There are no holocaust denial laws and accordingly there would be no anti-blasphemy laws either in US. He is deliberately misleading people that if countries which has holocaust denial laws also implemented anti blasphemy laws, such a movie would not have been made. This movie would have been made since this movie was made in US where freedom expression is an inalienable right.
Also if he is making the conceptual comparison, would he be willing to offer that holocaust denial laws are passed in all Muslim countries where he seeks to implement anti blasphemy laws? After all according to him the pain is similar is it not? Forget all countries, can he promise that he will get Ahmadenijad to stop denying holocaust?
Recommend
Haha. Seculars and Pseudo-liberals feeling the heat. It appears as if Imran has blasphemed them by advocating restraint in their freedom of speech that hurts other people. We are with you Imran. Keep it up. Indeed a big rally, yet to be mentioned by ET. ET instead just picking the topics it likes the most, i-e brandish anything Islam or related as barbarism. I don’t know how many of you will feel exasperated if someone abuses or maligns your parents and for us, our prophet PBUH is dear to us even than our own lives. My point is clear, ‘Your freedom ends where my nose starts.’
Recommend
so as per Imran Khan, The iranian prime-minister should be in prison for questioning holocaust ?
Recommend
@Usama and @Others
Recommend
Mr Imrabn Khan, should tell the blasphemous mobs that their love of prophet Muhammad, should inspire them to do good deeds and not inspire them to murder.
Recommend
@ Jibran and which world do you live in? He has spoken against atrocities against Shia Muslims, against minorities and against the murder of salman taseer. he condemned mumtaz qadri too.
Recommend
Playing with religious sentiments of any community is rank vulgarity. Here is something that provoked Muslims, tomorrow the same thing can happen to Christians and Hindus. Let us not take it lightly as it concerns all the decent citizens of the world. The hatred nurtured toward other religions by any religion is an insult not only to the religion but also those who indulge in such provocative acts.
Recommend
Imran suggests that all countries that have holocaust denial laws should institute anti-blasphemy laws. Since he agrees that the pain is similar, will he also insititute holocaust denial laws in all countries which presently have anti-blasphemy laws?
Muslims across the world are protesting violently because they claimed blasphemy occurred. Have you seen Germans doing that when Ahmadinajad denies holocaust?
Jews are not a majority in Germany where holocaust denial laws were instituted. These laws are intended for mnority protection so that recurrence does not occur. Anti blasphemy laws support the the persecution of minorities by the majorities. Huge difference.
US where this movie was made and Denmark where the cartoons were published do not have holocaust denial laws and so by the same logic cannot be expected to have anti-blasphemy laws. So Khan implying that instituting anti blasphemy laws in countries which already have holocaust denial laws would have prevented these acts from occurring is simply not true. The movie would have been made and the cartoon would have been published even if Khan accomplishes what he is setting out to do.
But then logic is not Mr. Khan’s strongest suit is it?
Recommend
@Sexton Blake.
There are hundreds and maybe thousands of books on this subject and the vast majority of them are written by non jew’s. If you have doubts about the holocaust then go visit the gas chambers (there still standing) and if you hurry you can still have a face to face conversation with the USA soldiers who helped liberate the camps or visit some of the old age homes and look for the elderly with the tattooed numbers on their arms . Better hurry because they are rapidly dying of old age. Recommend
@EHM:
Please give us a reference to ANY LAW IN AMERICA where you will be jailed for ONE YEAR for denying the HOLOCAUST!!! YOU obviously know nothing about the laws and rights in America, so please learn before making absurd statements.Recommend
@ Cautious do you too have a reading problem? IK was talking about Europe. In many parts of Europe you get imprisoned for even questioning the Holocaust, far from making derogatory remarks about it. (Austria, Germany, Romania etc. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LawsagainstHolocaust_denial)
Recommend
GP65 made a good point. Once Imran Khan comes to power and bans any criticism of Holocaust in Pakistan and makes it a penal offense for which any mullah can go to prison for denying holocaust, he can then request other countries to do the same for blasphemy.
Till then he should keep quiet.
Recommend
@Sexton Blake:
You say that ” Holocaust denial laws in Europe can send people to prison for telling the truth”! PLEASE TELL US WHAT YOU THINK THAT “TRUTH” IS SO WE ALL SEE YOUR MINDSET ON THE HOLOCAUST!
Recommend
@ Ice Soul @ Righty right @ Sadia @ Just Sayin Yeah the Jews have been persecuting and attacking and giving death threats to people who denied the Holocaust. And Firstly Israel as a state does not allow any one to even question the Holocaust. You so straight to imprisonment of 5 years if you question the Holocaust. Secondly they can easily go and kill Palestinians when they are furious about anything and no one in the world is going to say anything to them. Their government supports state terrorism, the private organization have nothing much to do. While in Muslim lands it is the govt which does nothing, the private organizations are the one’s indulged in extremism.
Here are a few example of people persecuted By Jews when they denied the Holocaust:
Recommend
He is hoping to maneuver his way around the massive problems of fundamentalism in Pakistan. Well, Mr. Khan, you can’t ignore the gorilla in the room nor hope that it is a teddy bear in disguise. The genie has been out of the bottle far too long, is far too big and is not going to go away even if you refuse to acknowledge it.Recommend
IK is a sincere practicing muslim and All sunni“s are proud of him.
Recommend
Yet another misleading headline.What IK is trying to say is that people can be put in jail for denying the holocaust but people can get away with hurting feelings of muslims by using the most disgusting ,abusive and filthy languagein the name of freedom.There is no such thing as complete freedom of expression because in many countries you can go to jail for denying the holocaust.What we need is similar laws to stop some sick people abusing religions for creating mischief and disturbing peace..
@Cautious, In Germany ,Austria,Belgium,Hungary and many other countries its illegal to deny the holocaust.
Recommend
@Abdur Rahman:
The examples that you give of other theocratic fascists who resort to violence does not help your case at all.
Recommend
Questioning holocaust is blasphemous to humanity ,not to any particular religion.Moreover if there are laws against questioning holocaust in west i am sure the convict doesn’t gets death penalty
if i write here,’afim is banned therefore every single medicine should be banned’ most of you would think excessive drug addiction has damaged my mental abilities.
what would happen if tomorrow a leader starts saying taking the name of allah is blasphemous because we are too small ppl to take his nam?Recommend
Good work. I like the fact that IK’s speech is becoming area specific.
Recommend
@mr. righty rightist: Mr Righty try denying holocaust in germany or in while in france and you will be arrested and put in jail for 20 years!! Think before u comment!!
Recommend
@Usama:
A belief is belief. The questain is how fragile it is.
ever observed Christians going that way
Or Indians v ghandiji
They are built strong by their Believers.
Recommend
@Usama: They were not killed just because of their religion only but the economic stranglehold they had on the economy of Germany and others. Study the history of German Wiemar Republic and you will find the situation which led to the rise of Nazis and Hitler. Moreover by the way it was not the Muslims who has killed millions of Jews but they were Christians, and lets not forget that the Catholic Church looked the other way while this massacre was being perpetuated on the Jewish population BUT yet the the same Jews are inflecting so much pain on the Palestinians with the conniving of American Jews. The perssecuted ones are persecuting.
Recommend
Holocaust is related to millions jews killed in real sense. Blasphemy is just a “religious” sentimental issue. How are these two related ?
Recommend
@…:
Anything wrong with that, brother?
Recommend
@Pakboy:
Easy to do it in a post in comments section!
Recommend
@Many here– As I have stated in my comment above with examples that the Jews have been persecuting/ attempting to assassinate/ killing people over denial of the Holocaust Now coming to Mr.gp65′s question. Even if there is a single place in the west where we have a law which protects the religious sentiments of a certain nation it can very well be used as an example to prove our point that we too want a similar law to protect the religious sentiments of the Muslims. If the US doesnt allow such a law the other countries may and this would prevent such happenings in those countries, ’cause this movie you are talking abt is being reposted and boasted about in a lot many countries other than the US. Even if ONE western state passes a law which prevents hate speech against Muslim religious identities, it would be symbolic and a gr8 step towards making the Muslim world realise that the entire western world doesnot hate them.
And one more thing, the Muslims do not want a ban on criticising Muhammad (Pbuh) or any other Islamic teaching. All forms of criticism should be done. But it should be done without hate speech/foul or abusive language (just like how Willian Muir did it–He is known as the father of all criticism yet he never received any death threat). One might try to even convince the US to pass a law forbidding such dirty or hate speech against the Islamic religious teachings if we have a leader as intelligent as Imran Khan.
Recommend
@Abdur Rahman: “@ Cautious do you too have a reading problem? IK was talking about Europe.”
It is irrelevant to talk about holocaust denial laws in some European countries because this movie was made in US where there are NO holocaust denial laws. Thus neither blasphemy nor holocaust denial is illegal in USA and this movie which was made in USA would not have been illegal EVEN if anti-blasphemy laws laws were instituted in the countries where holocaust denial exists.
Also as I mentioned earlier all the people who are equating holocaust denial laws with anti-blasphemy laws – you would be willing to institute holocaust denial laws in Pakistan – right, since as you mentioned the pain in both cases is similar? While you are at it, do go ahead and institute laws that deny Bangladeshi massacre – because that is the closest thing to holocaust denial.
Recommend
@Cautious:
Not so in Europe!
Recommend
Interesting. I didn’t know people were actually aware of the situation in some parts of Europe.
Imran Khan says:” Speaking in Chitral and taking the Jewish Holocaust as an example, Khan said that people in Europe can be jailed for just questioning the actuality of the massacre because it hurt the sentiments of the Jews.” Asking for true investigation, may put you to jail in Germany and Austria. I am not sure about the other European countries.
Recommend
I’m surprised to see so many sane comments here, sometimes you get lost into the racist troll dungeons of youtube and twitter it’s hard to see sanity clearly.
Of course all religious beliefs should be respected, but comparing a genocide to blasphemy is…well outrageous, the only comparable thing would be if this Egyptian copt film-maker went to Egypt took over and killed millions of people for being Muslim, maybe created an empire and took over all the Arab countries and did the same, went into Asia and the rest of Africa and took over, oppressed the people of those countries, but went a step further and took the Muslim populations of these countries and put them in death camps. Comparing this to the holocaust… is just stupid.
Yes we have a right to be outraged and voice our opinion, but the filmaker and the people that funded the film and the rest of the faces of Islamophobia in the U.S were counting on this to happen, this is what they want. They want to portay us as savages as terrorists, and killing people and burning down buildings is exactly the reaction they were expecting. They get to be martyrs for their cause and we must NOT let them win. The only thing this is doing is not only making life for us Muslims in the west hard, but the rest of the Muslims in the world. Did you see the republican party nitpick President Obama’s statements? Their rampant Islamophobia (how they always accuse Obama of being Muslim like it’s a bad thing) is one of the reasons films like these are made and supported and we must not let them win. But burning buildings and hurting people is not the answer. Show the world we are stronger than this, non-violence is the way.
Look at Palestine for instance, people put down arms and used non-violence resistance, be it hunger strikes or BDS and it is making the world listen and better yet the Islamophobes can’t use the “Muslims are terrorists and want to hurt people” meme because what is violent about BDS?
So how about putting your brains to good use? Stop burning flags and protest peacefully.
Recommend
Great Imran Khan. realy good speech. I can see some indians and some sick minded shameless fake liberals of pakistan barkin shyt about Imran khan. u ppl need to get a life :))
Recommend