Islamabad, 8 July, 2023 (GNP): Hundreds and thousands of people rallied on the roads as Pakistan observed Youm-i-Taqaddus-i-Quran (Sanctity of the Holy Quran day) on Friday in response to the protest call given by the government, political parties, religious organizations, and also the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, against an act of sacrilege recently committed in Sweden.
The protesters chanted, “The Holy Quran is our red line,” while holding placards in some places demanding the dismissal of the Swedish ambassador and cutting off diplomatic ties with Stockholm. Swedish flags also burned during the demonstrations.
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However, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, the worth of the imports from Sweden to Pakistan was approximately $311 million in 2021, while exports amounted to $194m.
Meanwhile, in a telephonic conversation with the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Ibrahim Taha, Prime Minister Shehbaz urged the body to draw out a coordinated and comprehensive strategy mainly for generating global awareness about its perspective and also constructing a legal and political deterrence against Islamophobic happenings.
I had a useful and detailed telephonic conversation this afternoon with my brother, Ambassador Hissein Ibrahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) about the recurring incidents of public burning of the Holy Quran.
I conveyed Pakistan’s strong…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 7, 2023
He also praised the role of OIC’s chief for addressing concerns of the Muslim world and strongly condemned the anti-Muslim trends and events.
Separately, the clerics, priests, and religious scholars stressed the sanctity of the Holy Quran and showed displeasure of its dishonoring in Sweden, during Friday sermons.
According to the statement issued by the PM office, “The prime minister conveyed Pakistan’s strong condemnation of the wilful and provocative acts, which had hurt the sentiments of Muslims worldwide.”
Moreover, PM Shehbaz urged that the vilification of religion, revered religious personalities, holy scriptures, and symbols could not be condoned on the self-serving pretext of freedom of expression and protest.
Furthermore, in a tweet, the premier said the nation stands united when it comes to the Holy Quran, noting that not only Pakistanis but the entire Muslim world was concerned over the vile act.
“Holy Quran is in our hearts” and added that “the Holy Quran is not only a recitation for us but a guideline for living.”
