ISLAMABAD: The government and political parties in the country condemned genocide of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar and urged the United Nations, the West and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to play their role in the safety and rehabilitation of the persecuted community.

Besides the government and political parties, people also used social media to express their anger against Myanmar authorities and condemned the atrocities against Muslims and the silence of the world, including Muslim countries, on the issue.

The Foreign Office issued an official reaction to mass killings of Rohingya Muslims, saying: “Pakistan is deeply concerned over reports of growing number of deaths and forced displacement of Rohingya Muslims. Such reports, if confirmed, are a source of serious concern and anguish on the eve of Eidul Azha.”

It said Pakistan urged the authorities in Myanmar to investigate reports of massacre, hold those involved accountable and take necessary measures to protect the rights of Rohingya Muslims.

Social media users express their anger over Myanmar’s authorities

“In line with its consistent position on protecting the rights of Muslim minorities worldwide, Pakistan will work with the international community in particular the OIC to express solidarity with the Rohingya Muslims and to work towards safeguarding their rights,” it said.

Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif expressed deep anguish at the ongoing violence against the Rohingya Muslims. He said that the plight of the Rohingya Muslims was a challenge to the conscience of the international community.

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has submitted an adjournment motion to the National Assembly Secretariat for adjournment of business of the house for an urgent discussion on the matter.

“The genocide of Rohingya Muslims in Burma that has resulted in thousands being beaten, shot, and hacked to death. Their homes have been burnt and hundreds of thousands are homeless and have taken refuge in Bangladesh,” said the motion which was signed by PTI leaders Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Dr Arif Alvi, Dr Shireen Mazari, Shafqat Mehmood and Asad Umar.

Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has expressed concern over massacre of Rohingya Muslims and demanded an immediate end to the atrocities against them.

He condemned the tragedy inflicted on the Rohingya people and urged the international community to intervene immediately to stop the genocide of Rohingya Muslims and sort out all their issues peacefully.

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah in a statement said the issue would be raised in the coming session of the house and the PPP would take steps to shake the conscience of international organisations.

Naib Emir of Jamat-i-Islami Mian Mohammad Aslam lashed out at the rulers of the country for not raising the issue effectively at the international level. He said Muslim countries, including Pakistan, were facing difficult times because their rulers had become tools of anti-Islam forces.

Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan’s president Pir Ijaz Ahmed Hashmi said the mass killings of Rohingya Muslims had proved that Muslims had lost their honour. “The Islamic world should break its silence and raise the issue at the UN Security Council.” He said King Salman of Saudi Arabia should order the newly formed Islamic Coalition Force to protect Rohingya Muslims.

The Defence of Pakistan Council will stage a demonstration on Tuesday outside the National Press Club against atrocities of Myanmar against innocent Muslims.

Published in Dawn, September 5th, 2017