Global campaign against defaming religions pledged

Pakistan to spearhead International Convention for Preventing Defamation of Religions

ISLAMABAD: As the Muslim world begins commemorating Eid Miladun Nabi (PBUH), Prime Minister Imran Khan urged on dealing peacefully with the propaganda against Islam.

Speaking at the two-day International Rehmatalil Alameen Conference in Islamabad on Tuesday, PM Imran remarked how every few years some troublemakers in the West try to indulge in blasphemy of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) – and the locals react by resorting to riots and causing loss to the country. “The West finds a point to prove us as extremists,” he stressed.

The event is being attended by leading Islamic scholars from Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Egypt and other countries. Federal Ministers, politicians, diplomats of various countries will also be part of the two-day conference.

The premier recalled the recent attempt of blasphemous caricatures in the Netherlands.  “We resolved the crisis amicably,” he said.

He also cited a European Human Rights Court decision ruling against defamation of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The verdict said such activities exceeded the permissible limits of freedom of expression and “could stir up prejudice and put at risk religious peace”.

PM Imran revealed that Pakistan would be spearheading “International Convention for Preventing Defamation of Religions”. He said the resolution would seek to stop indulgence of hurting sentiments of a religious community of over two billion people. Law expert Ahmar Bilal Sufi has been appointed as envoy to lead the mission.

In his speech, the cricketer-turned-politician reminsced his religious journey through the years. PM Imran directed the Higher Education Commission to setup special chairs on Seeratun Nabi (PBUH) - the research on life, character and teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) - at three universities.

Reiteraing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government's commitment to turn Pakistan into a Islamic welfare state, the premier stressed that the special chairs will help educate the new generation on the creation of the first Islamic welfare state - Madinah.