Pakistan on Saturday strongly condemned the “heinous” act of desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden, stressing that the move has hurt the sentiments of the 1.5 billion Muslim community worldwide.
Denmark’s condemnation of the country comes after Rasmus Paludan, leader of the far-right party Strom Kris (Hardline), burned the Holy Quran outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm.
Many Arab countries including Turkey and Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Kuwait condemned the burning of the Quran. “Saudi Arabia calls for spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance and coexistence and rejects hatred and extremism,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The move has also been heavily criticized by Turkey, with Ankara canceling a visit by Sweden’s defense minister, saying “it’s a racist move, it’s not about freedom of expression”.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office said in its statement that this senseless and provocative Islamophobic act offends the religious sensibilities of billions of Muslims around the world.
The ministry said such measures do not fall under any legitimate expression of the right to freedom of expression or opinion, which carries obligations under international human rights law, such as not to engage in hate speech and to punish people with violence. Liability for incitement.
“Islam is a religion of peace, and Muslims believe in respect for all religions, including in Pakistan. These principles should be upheld by all,” the Foreign Office said.
The Ministry urged the international community to demonstrate a common resolve against Islamophobia, xenophobia, intolerance, and incitement to violence based on religion or belief and to work together to promote interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence. Do work.
It said Pakistan’s concerns were being conveyed to the Swedish authorities, urging them to take into account the sentiments of Muslims and take measures to prevent Islamophobic acts.
Paludan, who also holds Swedish citizenship, has held several protests in the past where he has burned the Holy Quran.
The permit he obtained from police said his protest was against Islam and an attempt to influence Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s freedom of expression in Sweden.
In April last year, Paludan’s announcement of a Koran-burning “tour” for the holy month of Ramadan sparked riots across Sweden.
