PA resolution condemns desecration incident in Norway

The Sindh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Wednesday to condemn the recent incident of the Holy Quran’s desecration in Norway, urging the federal government to lodge a stern protest with the Norwegian government.

The resolution was initially moved in the House by opposition legislator belonging to the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal Syed Abdul Rasheed. Later on, the resolution was finalised with the support of all the parliamentary groups in the assembly.

The resolution passed by the House stated that the incident of the desecration of the Holy Quran in Norway was meant to hurt the sentiments of Muslims around the world. The resolution also urged the Pakistani government to expel the ambassador of Norway from Pakistan to protest over the heinous incident. It also termed the incident a terrible conspiracy against the cause of religious tolerance at global level.

The resolution also urged the federal government to take up the issue with the government of Norway to lodge a strong protest against the incident. The resolution also said that efforts should be made by the Centre to apprise human rights organisations and the relevant global institutions about the enraged sentiments of Muslims around the world because of this incident.

Speaking on his resolution, MPA Rasheed appealed to the entire Pakistani nation to observe a boycott of Norwegian products being sold in the country. He demanded that Pakistan’s government expel the Norwegian ambassador from the country.

Opposition legislator of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Saeedullah Afridi also condemned the incident of the Holy Quran’s desecration in Norway. He underlined the fact that people belonging to religious minorities led their lives in Pakistan in a much respectable manner with due protection to their lives and belongings. He said a piece of legislation should be adopted at global level to prevent such incidents that damage the cause of inter-faith harmony the world over.

Minority MPA of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan Mangla Sharma expressed sympathy with the Islamic world over the incident of the desecration of the Holy Quran. She also condemned the hateful incident in Norway.

In her remarks, MPA of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan Sarwat Fatima paid tribute to the Muslim youth of Arab origin in Norway who had taken the daring step to safeguard the Holy Quran during the condemnable act of desecration.

She condemned the actions through which the sentiments and religious beliefs of Muslims were being violated to pursue the cause of freedom of expression. She said the West had been suffering from Islamophobia.

Sindh Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said that Umar Ilyas was a true hero for all of them, as he had daringly acted to protect the sanctity of the Holy Quran in Norway. He said Ilyas had set a new precedent of bravery for the entire world.