ISLAMABAD: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, condemned the desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden by stating that it occurred with government approval while the UN rights body debated a contentious motion.
Recently, a migrant from Iraq to Sweden burned pages of the Holy Quran outside a mosque in Stockholm. It caused outrage in the Muslim world and received condemnation from Pope Francis.
Pakistan introduced a motion requesting a report from the UN rights chief on the matter. The country also urged the states to review their laws to address acts and advocacy of religious hatred.
The debate exposed divisions between the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Western members in the UN Human Rights Council regarding the motion’s impact on free speech and established rights protection practices.
Bilawal, addressing an urgent debate on religious hatred, called for global unity against hatred, discrimination, and intolerance, promoting mutual respect, understanding, and tolerance.
He emphasized the need to condemn and isolate those inciting hatred, recognizing that such acts aim to propagate hate.
Bilawal mentioned the observance of the first international day to combat Islamophobia three months ago. He also highlighted the significance of the Holy Quran for two billion Muslims and the deep hurt that it caused.
He denounced the desecration as an assault on Islam, endorsing the draft text’s plea for prevention and accountability.
Bilawal emphasized the distinction between hate speech and free speech, considering the former indefensible and the latter indispensable.
Ministers from Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia echoed Bilawal’s remarks. They denounced the act as “Islamophobia” and urged an end to the abuse of freedom of expression.
While some diplomats condemned the burning as a provocation they acknowledged the complexities of balancing freedom of speech and protecting people’s rights, including religious symbols.
Negotiations failed, and a vote is imminent, likely to pass with OIC, China, and other countries support.
The UN Human Rights Chief Turk criticized offensive, irresponsible acts against Muslims and minorities, stating they are wrong.
