Pakistan has condemned the recent abhorrent act of desecration of the Holy Quran during rallies in Sweden and the offensive remarks by a Dutch politician attacking Islam and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The Foreign Office FO said that these mindless provocative Islamophobic incidents serve no purpose other than hurting the sensibilities of over 1.5 billion Muslims living all over the world.
In Pakistan, Muslims undoubtedly condemn the practice of insulting Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, and stand against all forms of violence on the basis of religion or belief, said FO, adding that these principles must be respected and supported by all.
It said that such actions are not covered under legitimate expressions of the right to freedom of expression or opinion, which carry responsibilities under international human rights law, such as the obligation not to carry out hate speech and incite people to violence.
Over the Easter weekend in Sweden, the Holy Quran was burnt, leading to riots in which over 40 people were injured.
The FO said that the international community needs to show a common resolve against xenophobia, intolerance and incitement to violence on the basis of religion or belief, and to work together for inter-faith harmony and peaceful co-existence.
The FO said that Pakistan's concerns have been conveyed to the authorities in Sweden and The Netherlands and they are urged to take cognizance of the sentiments of the people of Pakistan and the Muslims worldwide.