Islamabad, Sep 30(UNI) Organization of Islamic Cooperation which has been the collective voice of Muslim world adopted a statement calling respect of Islam, the revered personalities and its symbols, said a statement issued by Pakistan Foreign ministry.
The statement proposed jointly by Pakistan and Turkey was adopted on the sidelines of UNGA at New York.
Pakistan Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed serious concerns on the intensification of hate campaigns which deliberately targeted Muslims and the Islamic religious symbols.
Earlier, Pakistan had raised the matter of caricature competitions at the diplomatic level with the United Nations, OIC and European Union.
Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan had also expressed concerns and subsequently a resolution was passed in Pakistan cabinet condemning the campaign of derogating Islam. PM Imran Khan had even assured the parliament that the matter will be raised during the OIC ministerial meeting in New York.
Mr Qureshi expressing concerns during his bilateral meeting in New York said that freedom of expression comes with concomitant responsibilities, and should be exercised keeping in view the ethical, moral and legal obligations.
Joint Statement which is a reflection of the government's commitment to play its role in garnering support through joint action of OIC, even rejected provocative acts like the holding of the competition and contest to ridicule Islam and aimed at inciting violence
UNI XC JAL 0506