PM condemns publication of blasphemous caricatures in Charlie Hebdo

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the publication of blasphemous caricatures in French journal Charlie Hebdo on Thursday, according to a statement released by the PM’s office.

He said freedom of speech should not be used to hurt the religious sentiments of any community.

The premier said the publication of provocative material should be discouraged by the international community.

NA passes resolution condemning Charlie Hebdo's latest edition

National Assembly on Thursday passed a resolution, condemning the latest edition of recently-attacked French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, Express News reported.

Twelve people were killed on January 7 when two Kalashnikov-wielding men burst into Charlie Hebdo’s editorial meeting and sprayed bullets at the staff members for printing cartoons of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). In its latest edition after the attack, the magazine published a cartoon of the Prophet (pbuh) on its cover.

Garnering criticism from different segments, the cover was also condemned by lawmakers in Pakistan with Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique presenting the resolution against it.

The resolution was unanimously approved by the Parliament.