Lawmakers want Indian ambassador expelled

Call for stronger action against India over blasphemous remarks

ISLAMABAD:

The lawmakers in the National Assembly on Monday vehemently condemned the derogatory remarks of India’s ruling party spokesperson against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), with many demanding of the government to go beyond mere “lip-service” condemnations and take aggressive steps, including expelling the Indian ambassador within 24 hours and boycotting Indian products.

Speaking on the floor to condemn the BJP leaders’ abominable remarks as the lower house debated the matter,  Minister for Religious Affairs Mufti Abdul Shakoor urged the government to take practical steps and not limit itself to merely passing resolutions in the National Assembly. It must take the matter up with the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and the UN.

“The government should sever ties with India and expel the ambassador within 24 hours,” he stressed and criticised international human rights organisations over their “unfortunate silence” on the important issue.

He said Pakistan would invite members from all Muslim countries to the Rehmat Ul Alameen Conference during which a strategy would be devised to prevent insulting remarks against the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in the entire world.

He asked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to raise this issue in the General Assembly of the UN Security Council.

MNA Syed Imran Ahmad Shah described the blasphemous remarks as an unfortunate incident and asked the Muslim community across the country to show unity on this issue.

He said that Indian leaders had hurt the sentiments of 1. 5 billion Muslims across the globe.

He asked the government to approach the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the UN for highlighting this important issue.

He said the people involved in this crime should be punished.

MNA Moulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali underscored it was the fundamental part of Muslims’ faith to love Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) more than their children and parents. Echoing the religious affairs ministry, Chitrali also asked the government to call back Pakistan’s High Commissioner from India and expel the Indian High Commissioner from Pakistan.

MNA Sabir Hussain Kaim Khani said all Muslims were ready to sacrifice their lives for the sanctity of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

 MNA Shagufta Jamani strongly condemned the derogatory remarks and asked the government to take up the issue at all the international forums.

MNAs Ghaus Bux Khan Mahar, Muhammad Afzal Khan Dhandla, Salahuddin Ayubi and Nisar Ahmed Cheema participated in the debate and expressed their concerns, condemning the derogatory remarks in the strongest terms.

(With Inputs from APP)