ISLAMABAD: Pakistan strongly condemned another provocative and deeply offensive incident of the desecration of the Holy Quran that occurred in The Hague, Netherlands on Friday.
In a statement issued by the Foreign Office on Saturday, it emphasized that this deliberate act of Islamophobia deeply hurt the sentiments of over two billion Muslims around the world and posed a threat to peaceful coexistence, interfaith harmony, and global inter-religious relations.
The statement highlighted that such offensive actions cannot be justified or shielded under the pretext of legitimate freedom of expression and opinion, as they flagrantly violate principles of humanity and moral values. Additionally, international law obligates all nations and governments to prevent and prohibit deliberate incitement to hatred, violence, and discrimination based on any belief or religion.
Pakistan Urges World to Prevent Islamophobic Acts
The statement further asserted that Pakistan firmly believed that freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly by all. It emphasized, “National governments and the international community as a whole have a responsibility to counteract racist, xenophobic, and Islamophobic actions.” This stance aligns with the resolution passed by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 2022, designating March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
According to the Foreign Office’s statement, Pakistan has communicated its concerns to Dutch authorities, urging the government of the Netherlands to consider the sentiments of the global Muslim community and take measures to prevent such hateful and Islamophobic incidents.
“We also call upon the international community to raise its collective voice against Islamophobia and collaborate to promote peace and interfaith harmony,” the statement concluded.
