ISLAMABAD, Feb 19: Pakistan summoned the Danish Charge d’Affaires to the Foreign Office on Tuesday and protested against the re-printing of blasphemous cartoon.

Additional Secretary (Europe) Mr Akbar Zeb condemned the profane act that offended the feelings and sentiments of Muslims all over the world.

Mr Zeb emphasised that while Pakistan upheld freedom of the press, the same should not be taken as a ‘licence to insult and malign other religions’.“The re-publication of the cartoons was an abuse and perversion of freedom of expression which showed disrespect for beliefs of other people.”

He saw the move as a design to counter the efforts of countries and people who wished to build bridges among civilisations.

Calling for an apology, he said that since hurting sentiments of people of other religions was not a responsible behaviour, the Danish government was obliged as a responsible government to stop publication of such blasphemous cartoons.

The Danish Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad said the Danish government had no role in the re-printing of the cartoons and that he would convey Islamabad’s protest to his government.