Freedom of expression should not be misused: Tasneem Aslam

Published January 20, 2015
Foriegn Office Spokesperson Tasneem Aslam - AFP/File
Foriegn Office Spokesperson Tasneem Aslam - AFP/File

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan strongly condemns the blasphemous cartoons published in the French weekly magazine Charlie Hebdo, Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Echoing the sentiments of the people of Pakistan, the president and the prime minister have strongly condemned the publication, which has caused great offence to Muslims by hurting their sentiments and religious sensibilities all over the world," said Aslam.

She further said that the National Assembly and the Senate's Foreign Relations Committee have passed resolutions condemning the cartoons which hurt the core belief of all Muslims.

Know more: NA adopts resolution against blasphemous Charlie Hebdo cartoons

"We believe that freedom of expression should not be misused as means to attack or hurt public sentiments or religious beliefs," she remarked.

She elaborated that it is an attempt to create a divide among people and civilisations.

Aslam called for a need to promote harmony among people and communities instead of reinforcing stereotypes and alienating people in their own countries.

The Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, has written a letter to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation's (OIC) secretary general, recommending a legal action to seek an apology from the French magazine and a joint action by the Ummah to get all acts of Islamophobia criminalised.

Also read: Mamnoon wants Charlie Hebdo to apologise for hurting Muslims

Previously, President Mamnoon had sent a letter to the French government, condemning the attack on offices of Charlie Hebdo. Twelve people were killed in the attack and is 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.

Opinion

Editorial

Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...
Digital growth
Updated 25 Apr, 2024

Digital growth

Democratising digital development will catalyse a rapid, if not immediate, improvement in human development indicators for the underserved segments of the Pakistani citizenry.
Nikah rights
25 Apr, 2024

Nikah rights

THE Supreme Court recently delivered a judgement championing the rights of women within a marriage. The ruling...
Campus crackdowns
25 Apr, 2024

Campus crackdowns

WHILE most Western governments have either been gladly facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, or meekly...