PESHAWAR: Protest rallies held against blasphemous cartoons
By Our Correspondent
PESHAWAR, Feb 14: Protest demonstrations and rallies by religious parties and traders’ organizations against blasphemous cartoons published in some European newspapers continued in the city on Tuesday. However, unlike the previous day, there was no violence or disturbance during the protest rallies, which were being escorted by a big contingent of riot police.
The protest rallies were organized by the Jamiat-i-Ulema-i-Pakistan (JUP), Islami Jamiat Talba, Tanzeem Asatiza and Printing Press Association at the Qissa Khwani Bazaar where hundreds of people showed their anger and concern against the provocative caricatures published in some Danish and European newspapers.
A large-sized flag of Denmark was placed on the Khyber Bazaar Road to be trampled by hundreds of protesters. Another large-sized red flag with white stripes was hanged over a nullah near the Jangi Mohallah. Protesters set on fire the national flag of Denmark and effigies of Denmark’s queen and prime minister.
The protesters were holding banners and placards inscribed with slogans against Denmark and other European countries where the blasphemous cartoons were published. Danish and Norwegian products were destroyed, including dozens of Telenor (one of the leading cellular companies in Pakistan) mobile phones and SIMs (chips).
The JUP rally after passing through various bazaars stopped at Chowk Shahidan in Qissa Khwani Bazaar where it was addressed by NWFP Minister for Transport Akhtar Nawaz Khan, provincial patron-in-chief of JUP Allama Pir Mohammad Chishti, Shams-ur-Rehman Shams and Sahibzadha Nizam-ud-Din.
Mr Akhtar said those who had committed sacrilegious acts should not be spared and should be given capital punishment.
He said the Muslims could not tolerate any offence in the honour of their beloved Prophet (SAW) and Islam, therefore the governments responsible should seek public apology and punish the accused.
He said that the government of Pakistan and other Muslim states should cut off diplomatic and economic ties with Denmark and other European countries and boycott Danish and Norwegian products.
Meanwhile, police blocked routes leading to the Governor’s House and Peshawar Press Club. No procession were allowed to enter restricted areas.
