PESHAWAR, Feb 8: Journalists staged a protest rally here on Wednesday against publication of blasphemous cartoons in some European newspapers.

The participants held placards inscribed with slogans against what was called an act of irresponsible journalism and demanding respect for all religions and punishment to the people responsible for the blasphemous act. One of the placards demanded boycott of European products.

The protesters chanted slogans against Denmark and other European countries where the blasphemous cartoons were published.

Peshawar Press Club president Syed Bukhar Shah and Khyber Union of Journalists vice-president Nadir Khawaja led the procession, which started from the Peshawar Press Club and culminated at the Sher Shah Suri Road.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Shah said that the western press had shown prejudice against Islam. Such acts hurt the feelings of millions of Muslims across the world. He said religions and religious personalities must not be humiliated in the name of the freedom of press.

“We are totally against such freedom of the press which hurt the feelings of followers of any religion,” he said.

On Tuesday, the KhUJ at its executive body meeting passed a unanimous resolution, condemning the European press and demanded strict action against the perpetrators of the blasphemous act.