Former prime minister Imran Khan on Monday took India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to task over the anti-Islam remarks by two of its top officials, and criticised Modi administration for its consistent policies against Muslims.
The now suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma had made derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during a TV debate. Another BJP spokesperson Naveen Jindal was expelled from the party over uncalled for comments he made about Islam on social media.
"[I] strongly condemn the hateful attack by a BJP spokesperson on our beloved Holy Prophet PBUH," Imran said in a Twitter post.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief further noted that the Modi government had been deliberately following a policy of provocation and hatred towards Muslims in India including inciting vigilante violence against them.
Strongly condemn the hateful attack by a BJP spokesperson on our beloved Holy Prophet PBUH. Modi govt has been deliberately following a policy of provocation & hatred towards Muslims in India including inciting vigilante violence against them.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 5, 2022
He added, "This attack on our Holy Prophet (PBUH) is the most painful thing anyone can do to Muslims who feel an intense love & reverence for [Him]."
Also read: Pakistan issues demarche to India over blasphemous remarks by BJP officials
The former premier urged the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to take strong action against Modi's India.
Sadly, he maintained, so far India has been allowed to get away with its Islamophobic policies.
This attack on our Holy Prophet PBUH is the most painful thing anyone can do to Muslims who feel an intense love & reverence for our Holy Prophet PBUH. OIC must take strong action ag Modi's India bec sadly so far India has been allowed to get away with its Islamophobic policies.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 5, 2022
Earlier today, Pakistan issued a strong demarche to the Indian Charge d’ Affaires in Islamabad.
The official was told that the remarks were “totally unacceptable and have not only deeply hurt the sentiments of the people of Pakistan but of Muslims across the world”.
The Indian diplomat was further told that Pakistan "deplores the belated and perfunctory disciplinary actions taken by the BJP government against the said officials, which cannot assuage the pain caused to the Muslims".
The ministry also expressed its deep concern about the alarming rise in communal violence and hatred against Muslims in India.
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