Dutch govt seeks improved bilateral ties with Pakistan after blasphemous contest saga

ISLAMABAD - The government of the Netherlands has expressed its willingness in promoting bilateral relationship with Muslim majority Pakistan, hours after the cancellation of blasphemous caricature contest.

Dutch envoy to Pakistan, Ardi Stoios-Braken announced on Twitter that the Embassy team will work with fresh energy and focus on promoting the bilateral relationship with Pakistan and mutual understanding.

Breaking news- #Dutch Embassy team will work with fresh energy and focus on promoting our #bilateral relationship with #Pakistan and mutual understanding! @pid_gov @eu_eeas @EUPakistan @Emergingpk @ministerBlok @SigridKaag @DutchMFA @SMQureshiPTI pic.twitter.com/Wm27zUP9CI

— Ardi Stoios-Braken (@AStoiosbraken) August 30, 2018

The remarks came shortly after Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders said he has canceled a planned Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) sacrilegious cartoon contest following death threats and concerns other people could be put at risk.

In a written statement issued Thursday night, Wilders said: “to avoid the risk of victims of Islamic violence, I have decided not to let the sacrilegious cartoon contest go ahead.”

Dutch lawmaker cancels sacrilegious caricatures ... 12:08 AM | 31 Aug, 2018

THE HAGUE  - Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders says he has cancelled a planned Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ...

The contest sparked protest in Pakistan with Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan marching towards the capital city to register a protest. The Christian community in the country also rallied behind Muslims and decried the activity.