KARACHI, March 1: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has said that protest against blasphemy must be held in the country, but Islamic teachings, principles and traditions must be upheld by protesters.

He was exchanging views with the people from different walks of life at a meeting at the Governor’s House here on Tuesday.

The three-hour meeting, chaired by the governor, expressed grave concern over the publication of blasphemous caricatures by European newspapers and other incidents of blasphemy in European states.

The participants stressed the need for collective efforts by components of the Ummah and legislation at international level to ensure preventive measures in this regard, as well as research to ascertain the causes leading to such incidents.

Businessmen, political leaders, ulema, journalists, doctors, traders, intellectuals, academicians, representing their respective organizations, parties and groups, were among the participants of the meeting.

They appreciated the governor’s initiative to convene such representative meetings to enable opinion leaders to exchange views with each other on important issues. They presented their suggestions to the governor with regard to a future line of action viz-a-viz the blasphemous act and protests against it.

They were of the view that this issue should be kept away from politics.

Dr Ibad strongly dispelled the impression that the meeting had been convened to discuss how to stop protest rallies. “The publication of blasphemous cartoons has hurt the feelings of Muslims around the world and protest must be held against the act. But we all should remain alert and keep a watch on those who may turn such protests violent to foil the blasphemers’ designs to portray Muslims as terrorists.”

Regarding the idea of specifying some places for protest rallies and meetings, the governor asked: “Where in an Islamic directive or teaching it has been said that rallies should only be held at Empress Market or M. A. Jinnah Road?”

Most participants suggested that places in various areas of the city be designated for protests and a particular day for the purpose could also be fixed.

The governor said protests must continue, but at the same time, the apprehensions and reservations coming to the fore in this regard should also be kept in mind.

Meanwhile, Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad on Wednesday called for cooperation of provincial and city governments for further improving the facilities at Jinnah hospital and teaching activities at Sindh Medical College.

Chairing a high-level meeting at Governor’s House, he said that provincial and city governments too should play their role for the betterment of this federal government hospital.

The meeting was attended by Sindh Health Minister Shabbir Ahmed Qaimkhani, Finance Adviser M.A. Jalil, Chief Secretary Fazlur Rehman, Health Secretary Naushad Shaikh, Law Secretary Ghulam Nabi Shah, Additional Advocate General Kazi Khalid Ali, DMC Vice-Chancellor Dr Masood Hameed, Principal Secretary Mohammed Saleem Khan and other officials.

Having an appraisal about teaching and training facilities in Sindh Medical College, the governor stressed upon strengthening the faculty.

He directed that services of senior doctors of Jinnah hospital should be obtained along with provision of better facilities to them. Prof Masood also submitted his recommendations in this respect.

The governor also stressed the need for effective liaison between concerned federal and provincial authorities for effective use of available facilities at Jinnah hospital and their further improvement.—APP