The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, has expressed his strong condemnation of the desecration of the Holy Quran in Stockholm, Sweden. This act has received widespread criticism from Muslim states, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the European Union, Pope Francis, the Swedish government, and others.
The Pakistani Parliament held a joint session and passed a resolution urging Sweden to take appropriate action against the perpetrators involved in the desecration. Protests have been taking place across the country, involving political parties, lawyers, and the Christian community.
Shehbaz Sharif took to Twitter and stated that the entire nation and Muslim ummah (community) are disturbed by the incident. He announced that the Pakistani people would peacefully protest and express their emotions and feelings regarding this heartbreaking incident after Friday prayers.
“Quran is in our hearts. The Quran is not only a recitation for us but a guideline for living,” Shehbaz said.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also expressed his concerns on Twitter, highlighting the rising Islamophobic mindset that seeks to degrade and dehumanize the Islamic faith. He stated that Pakistan would raise the issue at an urgent debate in the United Nations Human Rights Council on behalf of the OIC group.
Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman echoed similar concerns, stating that the incident not only dehumanizes Islam but also intentionally provokes Muslim sentiments.
State-run Radio Pakistan reported that people from various walks of life would participate in peaceful nationwide protests.
Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif had previously mentioned that he would attempt to call a meeting of all Muslim leaders, in coordination with the United Nations Secretary-General, to issue condemnations. He also suggested that the incident was part of a conspiracy to create divisions between Christians and Muslims, urging Sweden to clarify its position on the matter.
