ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned abhorrent act of desecration of Holy Quran in Sweden. In tweet, he said, “No words are enough to adequately condemn abhorrable act of desecration of Holy Quran by right-wing extremist in Sweden.”

Freedom of expression is a fundamental part of democracy. But what is legal is not necessarily appropriate. Burning books that are holy to many is a deeply disrespectful act. I want to express my sympathy for all Muslims who are offended by what has happened in Stockholm today.

— SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) January 21, 2023

Shehbaz emphasised “Garb of freedom of expression” was used to hurt religious sentiments of 1.5 billion Muslims across world, calling act “Unacceptable”. A day earlier, in its statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said that “Senseless and provocative Islamophobic act” hurt religious sensitivities of billions of Muslims around world. “Such actions are not covered under any legitimate expression of right to freedom of expression or opinion, which carries responsibilities under international human rights law, such as obligation not to carry out hate speech and incite people to violence,” Foreign Office said.

“Islam is religion of peace and Muslims, including in Pakistan, believe in respecting all religions. These principles must be supported by all,” statement added.

Islamabad urged international community to show common resolve against Islamophobia, xenophobia, intolerance and incitement to violence on basis of religion or belief and work together to promote inter-faith harmony and peaceful coexistence. “Pakistan’s concerns are being conveyed to authorities in Sweden. We urge them to be mindful of sentiments of people of Pakistan and Muslims worldwide and take steps to prevent Islamophobic acts,” office stated.

No words are enough to adequately condemn the abhorrable act of desecration of the Holy Quran by a right-wing extremist in Sweden. The garb of the freedom of expression cannot be used to hurt the religious emotions of 1.5 billion Muslims across the world. This is unacceptable.

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) January 22, 2023

On Saturday, Rasmus Paludan, leader of Danish far-right party Stram Kurs (Hard Line), burned Holy Quran outside Turkish Embassy in Stockholm. “We condemn in strongest possible terms vile attack on our holy book permitting this anti-Islam act, which targets Muslims and insults our sacred values, under guise of freedom of expression is completely unacceptable,” Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

Strongly condemn burning of Holy Quran yesterday at a protest in Sweden. Last March on our govt's initiative the UNGA passed OIC sponsored landmark Res on International Day to Combat Islamophobia. It recognised that Islamophobic acts were not an expression of freedom of speech.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 22, 2023

Meanwhile, Prime Minister accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan of being part of “Grand design” to oust Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supreme leader Nawaz Sharif. Remarks came after Imran Khan claimed in an interview that former Army Chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa “Sent two brigadiers” in Joint Investigation Team in Panama Papers case that ultimately led to disqualification of then-premier Nawaz Sharif.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 23 2023

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