ISLAMABAD – In a telephonic conversation with President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajini, Prime Minister Imran Khan conveyed serious concerns of the government and people of Pakistan on the issue of blasphemous caricatures.
The prime minister also underscored “the need to redouble efforts in European countries to avoid such provocative incidents; raise greater awareness about religious sensitivities of Muslims, particularly the respect of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and promote inter-faith harmony,” a press release said.
Khan welcomed the European Court of Human Right’s recent decision not to allow acts of blasphemy under the cloak of the right to freedom of expression.
He also expressed the hope that European countries would follow the decision of the European Court and take steps to enhance respect for each other’s religions and inter-faith harmony
The prime minister stressed the need for respecting each other’s religions and sentiments, while calling for enhanced dialogue as well as cooperation for promoting inter-cultural and inter-faith harmony.
Talking about the Asia Bibi, who was recently acquitted of blasphemy charges, he reaffirmed the Government’s resolve to respect the judgment of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, adding that as citizens of Pakistan, Asia Bibi and her family are entitled to all rights as guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan.
Tajani thanked the Prime Minister for ensuring safety and security of Asia Bibi and her family. He assured EU Parliament’s cooperation with the Government of Pakistan, while conveying that the debate on Asia Bibi in the EU Parliament has been postponed.
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The European Parliament chief on Twitter said, “I spoke to the Prime Minister of Pakistan @ImranKhanPTI. He assured me that Asia Bibi and her family are safe and well. We fully agreed on the need to respect all religions, everywhere in the world”.
