PM announces protest against desecretion of Quran in Sweden

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the nationwide observance of Yaum-e-Taqaddus-e-Quran (‘Sanctity of the Quran Day’) on July 7 to protest the recent desecration of Holy Quran in Sweden.

In a statement shared on social media, the premier appealed to the nation, including all political parties, to participate in the protest to “convey a united message against the miscreants”.

He also directed the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz to “fully participate” in the protest and hold rallies across the country.

He said that the government plans to convene a joint parliament session on July 6 to formulate a strategy to represent the nation’s sentiments and feelings and adopt a resolution to condemn the desecration of the holy Quran.

The PM said that nations and leaders who believe in peace and interfaith harmony should work to “contain the violent forces infested by Islamophobia and religious biases”.

The buring of the holy Quran, which took place during Eid-ul-Adha outside Stockhlom’s central mosque, drew condemnation from around the world, including from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The OIC issued a statement appealing to the international community to uphold “the urgent application of international law, which clearly prohibits any advocacy of religious hatred”.

The United Nations Human Rights Council also announced to hold a debate this week on the rise of religious hatred.

Salwan Momika, a 37-year-old Iraqi refugee who fled to Sweden several years ago, was given permission by Stockholm police to tear up and burn pages of the Islamic holy book on June 28.

He was later charged with agitation against an ethnic group after the international outcry.