Pakistan Welcomes OIC’s Declaration Against Anti-Islam Film

Islamabad, Sept 30, IRNA – Pakistan Foreign Minister, Hina Rabbani Khar, Saturday welcomed the adoption of her country’s sponsored declaration against the US-made anti-Islam movie by the OIC Foreign Ministers. The Foreign Minister had sponsored the declaration at the OIC foreign ministers meeting to condemn the blasphemous video “Innocence of Muslims” and offensive caricatures of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Foreign Ministry said. During their Annual Coordination Meeting in New York, the OIC Foreign Ministers adopted the Pakistan-sponsored Ministerial Declaration strongly condemning the recent blasphemous release of the video “Innocence of Muslims” and caricatures of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as sheer acts of incitement to hatred, discrimination and hostility towards Muslims, their peaceful religion Islam and the Holy Prophet. The OIC Foreign Ministers expressed their deep concern on the continuing instances of such Islamophobic acts under the pretext of freedom of expression, which stand in violation of freedom of religion guaranteed by international human rights norms and standards, the statement said. The Foreign Minister welcomed the adoption of Pakistan sponsored Declaration by OIC Foreign Ministers and conveyed the deeply hurt feelings of people of Pakistan on those blasphemous acts. She urged Member States to take all measures including implementation of necessary policies and legislation against such acts in line with their obligations under international human rights law. Foreign Minister Khar thanked the OIC for its unwavering support to the right of self-determination of Kashmiri people and resolution of this long-standing dispute in accordance with relevant UN resolutions. Ms. Khar also projected Pakistan’s position on the issues of international peace and security including Syria, Mali, Somalia and Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. She highlighted the role played by Pakistan as a front line state in the fight against terrorism and its resolve to continue this fight with ever strong vigor. The Foreign Minister concluded by stressing the need for unity and solidarity among Islamic Ummah for mutual success, progress and prosperity./end