KARACHI, Feb 25: The Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) on Saturday announced boycott of Danish medicines and medical equipment to protest against the publication of blasphemous cartoons published in the newspapers of some Western countries.

The PIMA had in this regard staged a protest rally on Saturday at the Jamia Masjid, Civil Hospital.

PIMA President Dr Misbahul Aziz, MS of Civil Hospital Dr Kaleem Butt, General Secretary of PIMA Dr Ahmar, Dr Rehan Ahmed and others spoke to the protesters.

They demanded the government to close the embassies of the countries where the blasphemous caricatures were published.

They said if a holocaust-denying historian could be indicted and punished, why couldn’t such an action be taken against those responsible for the publication of the blasphemous cartoons.

They said that if the West could take action on blasphemy against Christ, why had it failed to take action against the blasphemy of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). They accused the West of hypocrisy, double standards and prejudiced towards the Muslims.

They charged the West of initiating a ‘clash of civilizations’.

They said the West had provoked the Muslims, and now the latter would not remain silent. They reserved each and every right to protest, adding that they could sacrifice their lives for upholding the sanctity of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

They chided the West for its double standard policy and demanded an unconditional apology for the publication of the blasphemous cartoons.

They said that PIMA would boycott all Danish medicines and medical equipment. “This is an age of economy and economic boycott is the useful method to have your protest heard.”

Senior and junior doctors from major hospitals of Karachi including Jinnah Hospital, Aga Khan Hospital, Ziauddin Hospital, Liaquat National Hospital, Abbasi Hospital and Civil Hospital were present there.

The protestors were holding banners and placards inscribed with slogans against countries where the blasphemous caricatures were published. They chanted slogans against the offending countries.—PPI