ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asked Swedish government to take strict action against desecration of Holy Quran. Addressing Cabinet meeting, he demanded proper investigation should be conducted into incident “Without any interference”. He expressed satisfaction over emergency meeting of Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) in this regard.

“We condemn Sweden’s sacrilege of Holy Quran in strongest words. Those involved in despicable act should be brought to justice,” he said.

Meawhile PM said first tranche of $ 1.1 billion from International Monetary Fund will be given to country in July. Premier said, “Whoever will be voted into power should work on policy framework. I am hoping that this is last time we approach international lender”. PM praised finance ministry for finalising agreement with IMF. “China has also helped us months before IMF deal,” he added.

He continued, “Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates had also promised country that they would each provide $ 2 billion and $ 1 billion respectively.  Existing government, according to PM Shehbaz will find solutions to problems county had been dealing with for past 15 months. He emphasised need for political unity, saying, “No matter who would be elected to power. Country will achieve enormous development if we collaborate for up to 20 years”.

On other hand, Swedish government condemned desecration of holy Quran outside Stockholm’s main masjid but avoided tendering an apology for abhorrent incident that has deeply hurt Muslims across globe. Swedish government termed incident an “Islamophobic” act after OIC called for measures to avoid future incidents. “Swedish government fully understands that Islamophobic acts committed by individuals at demonstrations in Sweden can be offensive to Muslims,” Foreign Ministry said in statement.

OIC during an emergency meeting on Sunday stressed urgent need for collective action to prevent desecration of Holy Quran, holiest book of Muslims. OIC Secretary-General, Hissein Brahim Taha emphasised importance of reminding international community about necessity of adhering to international law, which explicitly prohibits promoting religious hatred. ---Earlier Pope Francis said burning of holy Quran has made him angry and disgusted and that he condemned and rejected permitting act as form of freedom of speech.

“Any book considered holy should be respected to respect those who believe in it,” pope said in an interview in United Arab Emirates newspaper Al Ittihad, published on Monday. “I feel angry and disgusted at these actions.

“Freedom of speech should never be used as means to despise others and allowing that is rejected and condemned.”

Published in The Daily National Courier, July, 04 2023

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