Prime Minister Imran Khan yesterday reiterated that leaders of the Muslim world must take the lead in breaking the cycle of hate and extremism against the Muslims.
He made these remarks during his telephonic conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Both the leaders shared concerns on the rising tide of Islamophobia in the Western world, particularly Europe.
The prime minister said that Muslim leaders should explain to their counterparts from the Western world about the special reverence and love all Muslims feel towards the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Khan said as European states have laws criminalising the denial of Holocaust and their sentiments for Holocaust are respected, similarly, the West must also respect the sentiments of Muslims all over the world and refrain from justifying offensive actions in the garb of “freedom of expression”.
The two leaders also agreed that their foreign ministers would meet and continue to engage on issues of mutual interest, including efforts to address Islamophobia.
The prime minister also conveyed condolences of government and people of Pakistan over the loss of precious lives due to an earthquake in Izmir region and surrounding areas.
He offered to provide all possible support and assistance to the Turkish people in this hour of grief due by the deadly earthquake.
The prime minister prayed for the swift recovery of those affected by this natural calamity.
Student activists take part in a protest outside the French consulate in Karachi yesterday over French President Emmanuel Macron’s remarks in favour of caricatures depicting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
