In response to a recent incident of the Holy Quran desecration in Sweden, the federal government of Pakistan has declared nationwide protests on July 7. The offensive act involved a public burning of the holy book in Stockholm during Eid ul Adha, inciting global outrage. The incident took place outside a mosque where an individual set fire to the Quran.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a meeting held in Islamabad, decided to organize protests across the country and urged all political entities and the nation to participate. The Prime Minister expressed that the united voice of the nation would counteract the negative intentions behind the act. The day of protest is set to be observed as “Youm-e-Taqaddus Quran.”
Furthermore, the Prime Minister proposed a joint parliamentary session to formulate a national response to the incident in Sweden. He believes the parliament should effectively articulate the emotions and sentiments of the nation. A resolution against the Quran’s desecration in Sweden is expected to pass unanimously during this session.
In the wake of the protests and widespread backlash concerning the desecration incident, the United Nations Human Rights Council announced it would hold an emergency session. The session, prompted by Pakistan’s request, aims to address growing issues of Islamophobia and religious hatred. The spokesperson, Pascal Sim, indicated that the council would alter its agenda to conduct an urgent debate on the “alarming rise in premeditated and public acts of religious hatred.” This decision comes during the Council’s meeting, which will continue until July 14.
Read: Pakistan Condemns Public Desecration of Quran in Sweden
