Politicians condemn desecration of Holy Quran
The desecration of the Quran took place on June 28, 2023, outside the Stockholm Central Mosque. PHOTO: REUTERS
Punjab Governor Muhammad Balighur Rehman has denounced the desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden and called upon the international community to take serious action to prevent such incidents in the future.
Baligh expressed deep distress over the incident, stating that Muslims worldwide have been profoundly hurt by this disgraceful act.
He emphasised that no civilised society should permit the provocation and disrespect of religious sentiments under the guise of freedom of expression. The governor urged the international community to address this tragic incident and take effective measures to prevent similar occurrences.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Khawaja Ahmad Hasan, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister, expressed solidarity with the Muslim community, which has been deeply affected by the desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden.
He strongly condemned the anti-Islamic act, considering it highly reprehensible and unforgivable.
Hasan called for the perpetrator of this heinous crime to be brought to justice and prayed for divine retribution in this world and the hereafter.
Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Central Information Secretary of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), also condemned the desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden. Awan praised the decision to convene an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in response to the incident.
She stressed that promoting interfaith harmony among nations is essential for ensuring international peace. She also criticised the silence of the Swedish government regarding the incident and called upon the international community to take notice and strict action against those responsible.
She emphasised that such incidents cannot weaken the Muslim Ummah, highlighting the importance of unity among Muslim nations to counter such occurrences.
She urged Muslim leaders to raise their voice at international forums, as these incidents pose a threat to global peace.
Awan clarified that freedom of expression should not be used as a means to hurt religious sentiments, adding that Muslims respect other religions in accordance with Islamic teachings and expect reciprocity from followers of other faiths for global peace.
In response to the call from the Shia Ulema Council, a protest demonstration was held on Ferozepur Road, with participants from different schools of thought.
The protesters carried placards and banners denouncing the Swedish government and chanted slogans against it. They demanded the immediate suspension of diplomatic ties with Sweden and called for the expulsion of the Swedish Ambassador to Pakistan. Shia Ulema Council Secretary Qasim Ali Qasmi, Allama Hassan Raza and Mufti Ashiq Bukhari addressed the participants and highlighted how such incidents cause unrest worldwide.
They called for all Muslim countries to suspend diplomatic relations with Sweden and for the government of Pakistan to expel the Swedish Ambassador.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 3rd, 2023.