ISLAMABAD: President Mam­noon Hussain condemned on Friday publication of controversial cartoons in a French magazine and sought apology from its management for hurting the sentiments of Muslims.

In a statement, the president said that freedom of expression did not permit anyone to hurt religious sentiments or beliefs of other people.

“The French magazine hurt the religious beliefs of Muslims and for this its management should tender an apology,” he said.

Also read: Pakistan condemns deadly Paris shooting: FO

Mr Hussain said that Muslims gave due respect to all religions because they were not deemed to be good Muslims unless they believed in all the holy books and Prophets.

“Therefore, they want that no one should be allowed to disrespect Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) by any means,” he said.

The president has already sent a letter to the French government, condemning the attack on offices of the controversial magazine, Charlie Hebdo. Twelve people were killed in the attack, said to be the worst terrorist attack in France in decades.

Mr Hussain has said that in an age of globalisation no one should be allowed to commit an act which hurt the sentiments of any group in society.

According to a source, the president has urged the PML-N government to take up the matter with the European Union so that such controversies were avoided in the future.

A Danish newspaper has also published controversial caricatures of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

The government has already assailed the publication of controversial caricatures and the national and provincial legislatures have adopted resolutions condemning them.

Published in Dawn, January 17th, 2015

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